Tensions Soar: Polish Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Over Baltic

In a significant development over the Baltic Sea, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft on Tuesday, according to the Polish army's statement on Wednesday. The aircraft was reportedly flying in international airspace without a filed flight plan and had its transponder turned off, raising security concerns.

This interception comes amidst heightened vigilance by countries on NATO's eastern flank following incidents in September where Russian military jets briefly violated Estonian airspace and Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Polish authorities stress that the Russian aircraft did not breach Polish airspace.

Jacek Goryszewski, spokesperson for the Polish army's operational command, emphasized Poland's continued vigilance in securing its airspace. Meanwhile, Alexus Grynkewich, a U.S. Air Force general and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, noted Russia's testing of boundaries despite NATO's strong deterrent response to earlier incursions.