Hungarian jets intercept five Russian fighters over Baltic Sea

Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighter jets scrambled from Šiauliai Air Base on Thursday, 25 September, to intercept a formation of five Russian military aircraft flying near NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, NATO’s Allied Air Command confirmed.

The Russian formation, detected west of Latvia’s Baltic coast, consisted of a Su-30, a Su-35, and three MiG-31 interceptors. NATO reported that the aircraft were flying in international airspace but “in violation of international flight safety rules,” as they had not filed flight plans, failed to use transponders, and did not communicate with civilian air traffic control.

The Hungarian Gripens, deployed to Lithuania as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, quickly identified and escorted the Russian aircraft away from the vicinity of Allied airspace before returning safely to base.

NATO emphasised that such interceptions are routine but highlight the Alliance’s readiness to safeguard the integrity of its members’ skies. The Baltic Air Policing mission, established in 2004 when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined NATO, provides continuous air defence for the three countries, which lack their own fighter fleets.

Russian military aircraft frequently operate in the Baltic region without adhering to international aviation protocols, posing risks to civilian air traffic. Similar interceptions have taken place throughout 2025, amid heightened tensions between NATO and Moscow linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.