Alarm rang today (19.09.2025) to Estonia because three Russian fighter aircraft MIG-31 violated its airspace.
After Poland and Romania, Estonia became the third country-a member of NATO whose airspace was violated by Russia, this time not with drones, but by fighter aircraft and even the powerful MIG-31.
The Estonian government stressed that the three MIG-31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace without license and remained there for a total of 12 minutes. This is another Russian challenge in the midst of a increasingly tense atmosphere in NATO’s east wing.
«Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times already in 2025something that is unacceptable in itself, but today’s violation, in which three fighter aircraft entered our airspace is unprecedented brazen, “Foreign Minister Margos Tshkna said.
Russian MIG-31 / Russian Defense Ministry / Handout Via Reuters
«The ever -increasing trials against border and its aggression from Russia must be addressed by rapid reinforcement of political and economic pressure“, He added later.
Russian fighter aircraft seem to They were flying over the Vaindloo island in the Baltic Seaas Estonian sources say. Estonia said it had a note of protest to the supreme Russian diplomat in that country in the Baltic.
According to Politico, Italian Stealth F-35 fighter jets involved in the NATO air police mission to Baltic, took off to intercept Russian MIG-31.
«NATO reacted immediately and intercepted Russian aircraft that violated Estonian airspace“, NATO spokesman said in a statement posted on X.
Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.
— NATO Spokesperson (@NATOpress) September 19, 2025
“This is another example of a reckless Russian behavior and NATO’s ability to react,” the spokesman said.
Ukrainian supporter of the Ukraine, Tallinn said in May 2025 that Moscow sent for short time a Su-35 fighter aircraft in NATO member country airspace over the Baltic Seaduring an attempt to stop a oil tanker that was destined in Russiawhich is believed to belong to the “shadow fleet” that defies Western sanctions against Moscow.
Commission’s reaction
“The breach of Estonia’s airspace, NATO member, by three Russian military aircraft is one very dangerous challenge“, Said the head of European diplomat Kaya Calas.
«This marks the third similar breach of EU airspace within a few days and further escalates tensions in the area, “Callas said in a post on X.
I am in close contact with the Estonian government.
We will continue to support our member states in strengthening their defences with European resources.
Putin is testing the West’s resolve.
We must not show weakness. (2/2)– Kaja Kallas (@kajallas) September 19, 2025
“We will continue to support our Member States to strengthen their defense with European resources. Putin tests the determination of the West. We should not show weakness“, He continued.