Two Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday, the Polish Armed Forces announced.

The incident occurred in international airspace, where the Russian plane was operating without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off—a practice widely regarded as unsafe for both civilian and military aviation, according to the Polish military’s Operational Command.

Polish MiG-29 fighters were scrambled to escort the Il-20 out of the area of responsibility. The Armed Forces confirmed that Polish airspace was not violated during the encounter.

“Protecting Polish airspace is not only a duty but a daily mission of our soldiers, who safeguard our country’s security with full commitment,” the Polish Armed Forces stated on X.

The Il-20, a Soviet-era electronic reconnaissance aircraft still in service with Russia, has been involved in multiple similar incidents along NATO’s eastern flank in recent months.

NATO allies routinely deploy jets to respond to Russian military flights near their borders. Earlier this year, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania reported brief incursions by Russian drones or aircraft into their airspace, leading to diplomatic protests and demands for stronger deterrence measures.

The interception underscores escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow, as European defense officials highlight a surge in aggressive Russian aerial activity in the region. (ILKHA)