VILNIUS, September 18 — Two Russian military fighter jets violated Lithuanian airspace over the Baltic Sea on Friday, prompting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission to scramble Italian Eurofighter Typhoon interceptors, according to Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence. The incursion occurred near Lithuania’s maritime border. The Russian aircraft briefly entered the airspace before departing, the ministry confirmed.
The jets, described as likely Su-27 or Su-24 variants, were intercepted and escorted out of the area by the Italian fighters. No shots were fired and no casualties were reported.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the incident.
A Mission Built for Allies Without Fighters
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission has operated since 2004, when Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia joined the alliance. None of the three Baltic states possesses its own air defense fighter capabilities, making the mission their sole aerial shield. Italy has contributed to the mission multiple times, including rotations in 2015, 2019, and most recently in 2023, when Italian Eurofighters were based at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
The current Italian contingent operates four Eurofighter Typhoons from Šiauliai. Overall, the mission involves approximately 1,200 personnel and 14 fighter jets from multiple allied nations.
The rules of engagement allow pilots to intercept and escort intruding aircraft but not to engage unless fired upon. The violation was reported to NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany, which coordinates air policing across the region.
A Pattern of Incursions
Friday’s violation fits a documented pattern. Similar Russian airspace violations in the Baltic region have been recorded in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022. The frequency of such incidents has increased since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
NATO has consistently condemned such actions as destabilizing and a breach of international norms. Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed the violation and praised the rapid NATO response.
Lithuania, a former Soviet republic and NATO member since 2004, has increased its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, exceeding NATO’s 2% target. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the incident.
