Polish MiG-29s intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea
On 28 October 2025, a pair of Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighters on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty successfully intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea. The mission was conducted under NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System within Poland’s area of responsibility.
In brief
A pair of Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighters on quick reaction alert intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on 28 October 2025. According to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, the Russian aircraft was flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off, without violating Polish airspace. After visual identification and escort the Il-20 aircraft continued its flight northwards. The operation was conducted within the NATO integrated air defence system in Poland's area of responsibility.
According to the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command, the Russian aircraft was conducting an intelligence-gathering flight in international airspace without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off. Although it did not violate Polish airspace, its presence prompted an immediate response from the Polish air defence system.
Thanks to the high readiness and professionalism of Polish pilots, the interception and identification were carried out swiftly, effectively, and safely. After the escort, the Il-20 continued its flight northward.
The Operational Command emphasized that such activities are part of the routine monitoring of the Baltic airspace, where Russian military aircraft frequently operate near NATO borders. In these situations, Polish fighters, acting within the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS), respond immediately to ensure the security and sovereignty of allied airspace.
- Protecting Poland’s skies is not only a duty but a daily mission for the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, who remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s security, the Command stated.
The incident highlights both the professionalism of the Polish Air Force and the effectiveness of the broader NATO air policing network in maintaining stability and situational awareness in the increasingly sensitive Baltic region.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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