Estonia Accuses Russia of Airspace Violation by Fighter Jets
Estonia Accuses Russia of Airspace Violation by Fighter Jets
LN24 / 14 minutes
September 19, 2025
2 min read
Estonia has accused Russia of breaching its airspace with three military jets, adding to growing tensions along the eastern borders of the NATO alliance. According to Estonian authorities, the incident occurred on Friday when three MiG-31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace without authorisation and remained there for approximately 12 minutes.
This marks the fourth such violation by Russia this year, but officials in Tallinn described the latest incursion as exceptionally bold. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the act, stating it was an unacceptable escalation. He emphasised the need for a strong political and economic response to what he described as Russia’s increasing provocations and border-testing behaviour.
The event comes shortly after another concerning episode in which over 20 Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace on the night of September 9–10. Some were intercepted by allied aircraft, and Western officials have expressed concern that these actions may be aimed at probing the alliance’s response capabilities.
Estonia has formally lodged a complaint with the senior Russian diplomat in the country. Earlier this year, Tallinn also reported a brief violation of NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, during what it claimed was an attempt by Russia to escort a sanctioned oil tanker operating as part of a covert fleet circumventing international restrictions.
