Russian pilots challenged NATO to initiate a conflict earlier in the month with a friendly gesture during an unexpected encounter. Tensions escalated when Vladimir Putin dispatched three fighter jets into Estonia’s airspace on September 19 without the Baltic country’s authorization, a NATO member. The jets traversed Estonian airspace for 12 minutes before being pursued by two Italian F-35s, codenamed Ghost 1 and Ghost 1, launched from an airbase near Tallinn.
During the interception, the Italian jets performed a wing-rocking maneuver, to which the Russian pilots responded by rocking their aircraft as well. One of the Russian pilots then extended a friendly wave towards the Italian jets. The Italian pilots subsequently shadowed the Russian jets to Kaliningrad without any hostile engagement, as the Russian MiG-31s were armed with air-to-air missiles.
The breach by Russia prompted NATO to caution that it would employ all necessary military measures to safeguard the alliance. Lt Col Gaetano Farina, the head of the Italian air task force for Nato’s Baltic Eagle III mission in Estonia, praised the reaction of his team. This incident marked the seventh time Italian pilots had been scrambled since August 1, as the Baltic countries rely on NATO for airspace protection.
Following the incursion, NATO’s North Atlantic Council convened to condemn Russia’s violation of Estonian airspace. The alliance’s response was swift and decisive, with allied aircraft intercepting and escorting the Russian jets out of Estonian airspace. NATO emphasized that such provocations must cease, warning Russia of potential consequences for its actions.
NATO reiterated its commitment to support Ukraine and affirmed its resolve against Russian aggression. The alliance emphasized its readiness to utilize both military and non-military means to defend against threats and uphold international law. NATO’s dedication to Article 5, which guarantees collective defense, remains steadfast in the face of escalating tensions.