Two Polish F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to intercept a Russian military reconnaissance aircraft spotted over the Baltic Sea, according to Poland’s defense minister. The Russian Il-20 aircraft was intercepted approximately 40km north of Kołobrzeg as it flew in international airspace without a flight plan and with its transponder deactivated, stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Kosiniak-Kamysz mentioned that the Russian aircraft did not breach Polish airspace and assured that the country’s armed forces will vigilantly monitor the situation and respond decisively to any actions by the Russian Federation. In a statement, he highlighted the interception of the Russian Il-20 by two F-16 jets patrolling the area without any airspace violation.
The incident occurred shortly after NATO aircraft were scrambled in response to a significant Russian missile attack on Ukraine, during which a Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of the readiness to shoot down the missile if it continued its trajectory, emphasizing the likelihood of it being a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.
The ongoing security of Polish airspace remains a top priority for the country, with continuous monitoring and proactive responses to any potential threats, in addition to maintaining close collaboration with NATO allies.
