A pair of Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighters intercepted a Russian aircraft Il-20 over the Baltic Sea, reported the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
According to the military, the interception occurred on October 28, when the Russian plane was carrying out a reconnaissance mission in international airspace without presenting a flight plan and with the transponder turned off — a procedure that makes it difficult to identify by civilian radars.
Polish MiG-29s took off on alert, intercepted, visually identified and escorted the Il-20 until it left the area. Authorities confirmed that the Russian aircraft did not violate Polish airspace.
“Thanks to the high combat readiness, the professionalism of the pilots and the effective operation of the air defense system, the actions were carried out quickly, efficiently and safely,” highlighted the Polish command in an official statement.
The episode comes amid an increase in NATO aerial surveillance in the Baltic region, due to the intensification of Russian military activities close to allied territory.
Ilyushin Il-20
The Ilyushin Il-20 (NATO designation: “Coot-A”) is an electronic reconnaissance and intelligence (ELINT/ISR) aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s and still operated by the Russian Air Force. Based on the airframe of the Il-18 transport, the Il-20 was designed to collect radar data, communications and other electromagnetic emissions — performing a similar role to the American RC-135 Rivet Joint.
The aircraft carries sensors mounted on the fuselage and side radomes — including the Igla-1 radar system, high-resolution cameras and signal intercept antennas. Many Il-20s have been modernized (Il-20M version) to operate with newer digital equipment and data links.
Source and images: Facebook @Dowodztwo.Operacyjne. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
