Three Russian Jets Violate Estonian Airspace in NATO Tension

On September 19, Estonia condemned an unprecedented violation of its airspace by three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that entered the Baltic nation's airspace near the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes. This marked the fourth Russian airspace breach in Estonia this year, but the incursion involving three jets carrying high-speed Kinzhals ballistic missiles was considered exceptionally brazen and aggressive. Estonia summoned Russia's charge d'affaires to deliver a formal protest, emphasizing the growing threat and calling for increased political and economic pressure on Moscow. NATO sources confirmed the jets flew about five nautical miles inside Estonia's airspace near Tallinn before Italian F-35 jets pushed them out. This incident follows recent similar provocations, including drone incursions into Polish airspace, highlighting Russia's ongoing testing of NATO's eastern flank and the alliance's resolve. Estonia urged a swift response to Russia's escalating provocations, reinforcing concerns about regional security tensions.