Two NATO fighters intercept three Russian aircraft over Poland

15 Feb. () –

Two F-35 fighters from the Netherlands intercepted three Russian military aircraft that approached Polish airspace on Sunday, the Dutch Defense Ministry has reported.

According to the Defense portfolio, the Dutch quick reaction alert (QRA) was activated in Poland after detecting that three aircraft were approaching Polish airspace without identifying themselves, which is why two Dutch fighters immediately went to intercept it.

After identifying a Russian IL-20M Coot-A that was accompanied by two SU-27 Flankers, the Dutch fighters gave way to Polish fighter jets which continued the interception. Russian fighters were heading to Kaliningrad.

NATO fighter jets are in Poland for surveillance of NATO airspace over Eastern Europe, security heightened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.