Polish Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea Amid Rising Tensions

Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Thursday, marking the second such incident in just three days, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced. MiG-29 jets were deployed in the morning to monitor and escort the Russian spy plane operating near NATO airspace.
The latest interception follows a similar encounter on Tuesday, when Polish jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft flying without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off. Officials confirmed that in both cases, Polish airspace was not violated, as the Russian planes remained in international skies.
The incident occurred as Poland raised its defense readiness amid intensified Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, some of which targeted areas close to the Polish border. Fighter jets from NATO allies including Norway, Spain, Turkey, and Germany also participated in Thursday’s joint operation. Two regional airports were temporarily closed during the alert, which ended later in the morning.
Military analysts say that Russian reconnaissance activity over the Baltic Sea has increased significantly, prompting NATO members to maintain high vigilance. Poland and its allies continue to prioritize swift defensive responses to potential threats near their borders.