Three Russian MiG-31 Foxhound fighters violated Estonian airspace, prompting the scramble of two Italian F-35s to intercept them.
Three MiG-31 Foxhound fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces entered Estonian airspace on Sept. 19, 2025. Two F-35A Lightning II of the Italian Air Force currently deployed to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to support NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, were scrambled to intercept them.
The Estonian government stated that three Russian Foxhounds entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island today, remaining inside for about 12 minutes (!)
According to the initial reports, the fighters initially flew on a course toward Estonia’s capital Tallinn before circling within Estonia’s airspace, where they were eventually intercepted. It’s not clear why it took 12 minutes before the NATO fighters in QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) responded to the violation.
“Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft,” said NATO spokesperson Allison Hart to media outlets. “This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.
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
The latest one, marks the fifth violation of Estonian airspace by Russia so far this year.
Following the incident, Estonia said it had summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Tallinn, lodging a protest. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas called the episode “an extremely dangerous provocation.”
The incursion of the three Russian fighters into Estonian airspace comes a week after Russian drones intruded into Polish and Romanian airspaces. This prompted a response by NATO, which launched a new mission called European Sentry.
