Estonia has called for urgent Nato consultations after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes on Friday over the Gulf of Finland, according to Tallinn.

Nato confirmed the incident, calling it “yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour” and highlighting the alliance’s rapid response. Italian, Finnish and Swedish jets were scrambled to intercept the planes.

Russia has denied any breach, insisting its aircraft were on a scheduled flight over neutral Baltic waters more than 3km from Estonian territory.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Tallinn would invoke Article 4 of Nato’s founding treaty, which triggers emergency consultations among all 32 members. “Nato’s response to any provocation must be united and strong,” Michal said.

This marks the fifth airspace violation reported by Estonia this year and the second Article 4 request from a Nato member this month, after Poland made a similar move on 10 September.

US President Donald Trump warned the incident could mean “big trouble” if repeated.

Officials said the Russian jets had no flight plans, transponders switched off and no radio contact with Estonian air traffic control — breaching international aviation norms.

The incursion comes amid escalating tensions, with Poland and Romania also reporting Russian drone violations in recent weeks. Nato has pledged to reinforce its eastern flank with additional troops and aircraft from the UK, France, Germany and Denmark.

Tallinn says Moscow’s actions are an attempt to distract Nato from supporting Ukraine, where Russia’s war effort has stalled despite intensified airstrikes and limited territorial gains.

Source: BBC

SMS/