Sweden and Poland have issued warnings that they are prepared to use force if Russian military aircraft violate NATO airspace again. This statement comes after a series of incidents in the Baltic region that have caused concern within the alliance and prompted emergency consultations at the United Nations.
On September 19, 2025, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered its airspace for approximately 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35 fighter jets, which were part of the NATO Baltic Air Police mission. Finnish and Swedish fighter jets also assisted in escorting and identifying the Russian aircraft.
Tallinn condemned the incursion as “unprecedentedly brazen,” lodged a formal protest with Moscow, and invoked NATO’s Article 4, which initiates consultations among allied nations. The Estonian government provided radar tracks and images to NATO allies to support its claims, emphasizing what it considered a deliberate and provocative action by Russia.
Poland delivers blunt warning at the UN
Poland went further with a direct warning at the United Nations in New York. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw was ready to react “toughly” to future incursions, while Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told the Security Council that Moscow should not “whine” if its aircraft or missiles are shot down while operating over NATO territory.
The Polish government has repeatedly called on allies to show clear and united support in defending NATO’s borders, particularly following the incursion of around 20 Russian drones in Polish airspace amid strikes on Ukraine.
Sweden’s defense minister, Pål Jonson, told Swedish media that the country will defend its skies without hesitation.
“We will not accept unauthorized entries into our airspace,” Jonson said, stressing that the Swedish Armed Forces are prepared to respond.
Lithuania relaxes rules on drones
Lithuania has also hardened its stance following repeated violations. Defense Minister Dovilė Sakaliene announced that, starting from October 1, 2025, the Baltic state will simplify the rules of engagement to allow drones violating its airspace to be shot down more quickly. Under the new law, the minister or an authorized official will be able to give the order immediately if a drone flies into restricted or closed airspace.
The change follows two incidents in July 2025, when drones of a type used by Russia in Ukraine crossed into Lithuania from Belarus. One of them was reportedly carrying explosives.
“Even though we live in peacetime, our laws were not adapted to current threats,” Sakaliene told the Lithuanian parliament, adding that the aim was to have “a mechanism that allows us to react instantly.”
NATO warns of escalation
NATO issued a sharp warning after what it said were three incursions by Russian drones or aircraft into allied airspace in less than two weeks.
“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are likely to lead to escalation, risk giving rise to an error of judgment, and put lives in danger. All this must stop,” the alliance said in a statement following a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.
The 32 allied countries vowed to employ “all military and non-military tools” necessary to defend themselves. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance would open fire “based on available intelligence regarding the threat posed,” while noting that Denmark was still assessing the circumstances of a drone incident that forced the temporary closure of Copenhagen Airport (CPH) on September 22, 2025.
