Estonia Requests NATO Consultation Following Airspace Violation by Russian Jets

Fri Sep 26 2025 12:59:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Estonia's government has called for consultations with NATO after Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace without authorization. This incident reflects rising tensions in the region amid previous airspace breaches by Russian drones in Poland and Romania.

Estonia has sought urgent consultations from NATO after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland. This request follows a broader pattern of aggressive behavior from Russia, leading to heightened concerns among NATO members. With escalating military provocations, Estonia emphasizes the need for a united and robust response from the alliance. Leaders, including NATO's spokesperson and the Czech President, highlight the urgent need to confront Russia's actions decisively, with a focus on maintaining security in Eastern Europe.

Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning.

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, the government said.

Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets under NATO's mission to bolster its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson said it was yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond.

Russia denied violating Estonian airspace. However, tensions have escalated recently after Poland and Romania—both NATO members—reported Russian drone incursions into their airspace.

Article 4 of the NATO treaty formally initiates urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, which ties the US and many European nations together on collective defense.

This marks the second time this month that a NATO member has requested Article 4 consultations; Poland did so on 10 September after Russian drones entered its airspace.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated, NATO's response to any provocation must be united and strong. She emphasized the necessity of consulting with allies to ensure shared situational awareness and agree on joint actions.

US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, indicating concern about the implications of such incursions.

Czech President Petr Pavel suggested that NATO should respond to provocations by potentially shooting down aircraft, noting the risks involved in doing so.

Estonia, which shares a border with Russia to the east, indicated that this incident was the fifth violation of its airspace this year, raising alarms about Russia's military tactics.

The Russian ministers countered claims of violation, asserting their jets were on a planned flight and behaved according to international aviation regulations.

Estonian officials expressed their view that these actions are symptomatic of a broader strategy by Russia to test NATO's resolve and create an environment of strategic uncertainty across Europe.

In recent events, there has been a series of drone incursions over Poland and Romania, prompting NATO's commitments to enhance military presence and air defense in Eastern Europe, reflecting a unified effort against potential Russian aggression.