On September 19, 2025, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for approximately 12 minutes. The aircraft operated without flight plans, with deactivated transponders, and without communication with Estonian air traffic control, marking an "unprecedentedly brazen" incursion according to Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the fourth such violation of Estonian airspace this year, with previous incidents being significantly shorter. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to issue a formal protest.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the European Union and NATO. EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas described the event as an "extremely dangerous provocation" and a sign of Russia testing the West's resolve. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that NATO forces responded immediately, intercepting the Russian aircraft and labeling the incident as "another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond." Italian F-35 fighter jets, currently part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission stationed in Ämari, Estonia, were scrambled to intercept the MiG-31s.
This prolonged breach follows a pattern of similar Russian military activities in Europe. Just days prior, on September 10, 2025, Russian drones violated Polish airspace, an event Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described as bringing Europe closer to open conflict than at any point since World War II. Romania also reported drone incursions into its airspace around the same period. These repeated violations are seen as a strategy by Russia to test the readiness and resolve of NATO and EU member states.
In response to these escalating provocations, Estonia is considering invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows member nations to consult with allies when their territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened. The EU is reportedly preparing to approve its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, signaling a unified stance of increased political and economic pressure. The incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance and robust collective defense strategies within the European security architecture, particularly in the strategically sensitive Baltic region.