The NATO Aerial Command reported that two F-35 Italian fighters took off from the Aerial Base of ämari, Estonia, to intercept a Russian military aircraft that operated near the air space of the alliance.
According to NATO, the take -off took place in the context of the Baltic Aerial Police Mission, after the radar had detected the approach of a An-124 Condora Russian heavy transport plane. The flight attracted attention because it was on international waters, without flight plan, without active transponder and without communication with the control of air traffic.
The Italian planes, operated by the 32nd and 6th Squadron Task Force Air units, performed the interception to ensure the safe monitoring of the Condor. NATO command stressed that the operation shows the commitment of the alliance to protect Baltic states and maintain safety on the eastern side.
Collective defense in the Baltic
The sending of Italian hunting is part of NATO’s permanent mission to safeguard the Air Space of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in a rotary system of tax forces taxpayers. The presence of Italy in the basis of ämari strengthens the integrated approach of collective defense, with allies that share responsibility for deterrence and surveillance on the borders of the alliance.
The An-124 Condor, considered one of the largest military transport planes in service in the world, was escorted to leave the monitored area. At the end of the mission, the Italian F-35 returned safely to the base.
Russian activity on the rise
The Italian pilots have already participated in several interceptions in the Baltic, supporting the allied partners in the face of the increase in Russian military activities in the region. These missions have included meetings with hunting, bombers and transport aircraft.
Source: X @nato_Aircom. This content was created with the help of the AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
