At 11:30 am this Friday (16), Eurofighter Typhoon fighters from the Italian Military Air Force, deployed at Ämari Air Base, in Estonia, were called in to intercept a Russian aircraft approaching the Baltic Sea.
The interception occurred as part of NATO’s air policing missions, responsible for ensuring continuous surveillance of allied airspace.
According to the Alliance Air Command, the operation was motivated by the approach of a Russian aircraft without adequate communication with regional air control services.
The identified target was a Beriev Be-200 of Russian Naval Aviation, Be-200PS variant, registration RF-88456 (Bort nº 21 Yellow). It is a relatively recent multi-mission amphibious vector, which made its maiden flight in November 2020.
According to official data, in 2025 alone more than 500 rapid warning takeoffs (scrambles) have already been carried out across NATO airspace. Air Policing operations and Enhanced Surveillance Activities maintain 24/7 readiness as part of the Allied strategy of deterrence and rapid response in a security environment marked by persistent tensions on the European eastern flank.
Source and images: NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
