NATO Intercepts 3 Russian Jets Over Estonia’s Airspace

NATO fighter jets intercepted three Russian MiG-31 warplanes that crossed into Estonian airspace on Sept. 19, prompting the Baltic nation to request urgent alliance consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty over what Estonian officials said was a “brazen” and “totally unacceptable” incursion.

Estonia’s Foreign Ministry said the jets entered its airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland without permission and remained there for 12 minutes. Their transponders were switched off, no flight plans were filed, and they were not in contact with air traffic controllers, officials said.