NATO Air Command stated that two Italian F-35 fighter jets took off from ämari airbase in Estonia to cut off a Russian military aircraft operating near the alliance’s airspace.
According to NATO, the start-up was performed as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission after Radar detected a near An-124 CondorRussia’s heavy transport aircraft. The flight attracted attention because it was over international waters, without a flight plan, with transponder turned on and without communication with air traffic control.
The Italian aircraft, operated by units from Task Force Air from 32 and 6. Squadron, carried out the cut to ensure safe monitoring of Condor. The NATO command center emphasized that the operation shows the alliance’s obligation to protect the Baltic states and maintain the security of the eastern flank.
Common defense in the Baltic Sea
The broadcast of the Italian fighter jets is part of NATO’s permanent mission to secure the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with a rotating system of contributing air forces. Italy’s presence on the ämari base strengthens the integrated approach to collective defense, where allied share responsibility for deterrence and monitoring at the alliance’s borders.
An-124 Condor, regarded as one of the world’s largest operational military transport aircraft, was escorted until it left the monitored area. After completing the assignment, the Italian F-35 aircraft returned safely to the base.
Increasing Russian activity
Italian pilots have previously participated in several cuts in the Baltic Sea, supporting allied partners in the face of increased Russian military activity in the region. These missions included meetings with fighter jets, bombers and transport aircraft.
Source: x @nato_aircom. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
