According to the NATO Air Force Command, two Italian F-35 fighter jets have boarded a Russian military aircraft that operated close to the federation’s airport.
According to NATO, take-off took place as part of the Baltic Air Law Enforcement Mission after the radar detected an An-124 Condor approach, Russia’s heavy transport aircraft. The flight caught attention as it flew over international waters, without a flight plan, transponder turned off and communicated with air traffic control.
The Italian machines were operated by Task Force Air units of the 32th and 6th centuries, and the purpose of the capture was to keep track of the Condor route safely. NATO emphasized that the operation shows the foundation’s commitment to protect the Baltic states and to maintain the safety of the east wing.
Collective protection in the Baltic Sea
Sending Italian fighter jets is part of NATO’s permanent mission to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the rotation system of contributing air force. The presence of Italy at the ämari base strengthens an approach to integrated collective protection, where Allies share the responsibility of deterrence and supervision at the borders of the Alliance.
The AN-124 Condor, which is considered one of the world’s largest military transport aircraft, has been accompanied until it has left the controlled area. After the mission was completed, the Italian F-35s returned safely to the base.
Growing Russian activity
Italian pilots have previously been involved in several arrests in the Baltic Sea, supporting Allied partners against the growth of Russian military activity. These missions contained encounters with fighter jets, bombers and transport aircraft.
Source: x @nato_aircom. This content was made with the help of AI and was checked by the editorial team.
