Russian Jets Ignore NATO Signals in Estonian Airspace Incident

Russian military aircraft entered Estonian airspace on Friday and ignored repeated signals from NATO pilots responding to the incursion, according to senior Estonian defense officials. The incident lasted approximately 12 minutes and involved Italian jets from NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission.

The violation represents the latest in a series of tests to NATO's air defense capabilities in the region. Estonian officials described the event as a deliberate provocation, noting that the Russian pilots made no attempt to communicate or respond to standard interception protocols.

Russia's Defense Ministry has denied that its aircraft entered Estonian airspace, maintaining that all flights were conducted in accordance with international regulations. The conflicting accounts highlight ongoing tensions in the Baltic region, where NATO and Russian forces frequently operate in close proximity.

NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission has been active since 2004, providing air defense for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The incident underscores the continuing strategic importance of air policing operations in maintaining regional security along NATO's eastern flank.