NATO fighter jets intercepted two Russian combat aircraft carrying advanced Kh-31 supersonic anti-radiation missiles over the southern Baltic Sea. The Russian Su-30 jets, part of the Baltic Fleet, were flying without transponders or flight plans in international airspace. The interception, led by Danish F-16s supporting Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters, was a response to heightened regional tensions during joint military exercises with Belarus.
The Kh-31 missiles, known for their Mach 3 speed and range of up to 110km, posed a significant threat to naval and air defense systems. The incident marked the second interception within a week, as NATO forces remained on high alert due to Russia’s Zapad-2025 exercises near Poland’s border. The drills, involving 20,000 troops and advanced weaponry, tested hypersonic strikes and amphibious assaults, raising concerns among NATO members.
Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the maneuvers as defensive measures against perceived Western aggression, while Belarus hosted international observers during the exercises, showcasing complex global alliances. Poland reacted by sealing its border with Belarus, citing security risks and disrupting trade routes, leading to economic repercussions.
The escalating tensions included multiple airspace violations, with Russian drones breaching borders and incidents in neighboring countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged NATO to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine to deter further aggression. Military experts viewed Putin’s actions as intimidation tactics to test NATO’s resolve in the region.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the need for robust responses to unlawful flights, highlighting the increased frequency of air policing missions in Eastern Europe. The Baltic interceptions underscored NATO’s shift towards stronger deterrence strategies in the face of ongoing regional challenges.