Tensions were high when three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonian airspace and were intercepted by two Italian F-35s on September 19 – but pilots gave a ‘friendly’ wave
Russian pilots dared NATO to start a war earlier this month with a “friendly” gesture during an unexpected encounter.
Tensions were high when Vladimir Putin sent three fighter jets into Estonia’s airspace on the morning of September 19 without permission from the Baltic country, which is a member of NATO. The aircraft flew in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes and were pursued by two Italian F-35s – named Ghost 1 and Ghost 1 – which launched an interception mission from an air base 50km outside of the capital, Tallinn.
As the Italian jets began their aerial intercept, they rocked their wings from side to side – and the Russians rocked their bars in response. Then, one of the Russian pilots raised his hand and gave a friendly wave to the others.
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The Italian pilots eventually trailed the Russian jets towards the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. Since the manoeuvre was conducted peacefully, NATO fighters were not forced to fire at the Russian MiG-31s, which were equipped with air-to-air missiles.
However, the unprecedented incursion by Russia has sparked discussions, as NATO warned Putin’s country that it would use “all necessary military tools” to defend the military alliance. Lt Col Gaetano Farina, the commander of the Italian air task force for Nato’s Baltic Eagle III mission in Estonia, said: “We are really proud of how we react every time.”
September 19 was the seventh time his pilots were scrambled since August 1. NATO controls the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as the Baltic countries don’t possess fighter jets.
After the Russian airspace incursion, NATO chief Mark Rutte said: “We do not want to see a continuation of this dangerous behaviour from Russia, and we stand ready to defend every inch of NATO territory.” He added: “If necessary, we will shoot down a fighter jet.”
A meeting of NATO North Atlantic Council was held on Tuesday following the incursion to “strongly condemn Russia’s dangerous violation of Estonian airspace on 19 September.” A statement from NATO said its response was “quick and decisive” with allied aircraft “scrambled to intercept and escort them from Estonian airspace.”
It also said the provocations “must stop” or else Russia must be prepared to face the consequences. A NATO statement read: “This incursion is part of a wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour.
“This is the second time in two weeks that the North Atlantic Council has met under Article 4. On 10 September, the Council held consultations in response to the large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.
“Several other Allies – including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania – have also recently experienced airspace violations by Russia. We express our full solidarity with all Allies whose airspace has been breached.
“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. They must stop.” It continued by saying that NATO will use all “military and non-military tools” as a defence against Russia.
“NATO’s response to Russia’s reckless actions will continue to be robust,” it said. “On 12 September, we launched ‘Eastern Sentry’ to bolster NATO’s posture along the entire Eastern flank. We will reinforce our capabilities and strengthen our deterrence and defence posture, including through effective air defence.
“Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. We will continue to respond in the manner, timing, and domain of our choosing. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad.”
NATO also made it clear that it would continue to support Ukraine and would not be intimidated by Russia. “Allies will not be deterred by these and other irresponsible acts by Russia from their enduring commitments to support Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours, in the exercise of its inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression,” it stated.