NATO member country Lithuania stated on Thursday (October 23) that two Russian military aircraft briefly entered its airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble in response. Lithuania later summoned the top Russian diplomat in the country to protest. Russia, however, denied the incident.
According to Reuters, the Lithuanian military reported that a Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 tanker aircraft flew 700 meters (0.43 miles) into Lithuanian airspace from Russia’s Kaliningrad region on Thursday. These two aircraft were likely conducting a refueling training mission at the time.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the Su-30 fighters involved in the training in Kaliningrad on Thursday did not violate the borders of other countries.
Following the airspace violation incident, NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission’s Spanish “Typhoon” fighter jets were scrambled to respond and conducted patrols in the area.
A NATO official told Reuters, “This incident once again demonstrates that NATO is prepared to handle any developments and has the capability to ensure the security of NATO airspace.”
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Lithuania had summoned the top Russian diplomat in the country and lodged a formal protest. Lithuania also informed NATO, EU allies, and the NATO Council about the incident.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene expressed on Facebook, “This incident once again demonstrates that Russia’s actions resemble those of a terrorist state, disregarding international law and the security of neighboring countries.”
“Lithuania is safe. We will stand together with our allies to defend every inch of our country’s territory,” she added.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed full support for Lithuania.
Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that this shows “Russia will not calm down or retreat,” emphasizing the need for NATO to remain vigilant.
Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braze also expressed full support for Lithuania.
In recent months, NATO airspace has been breached multiple times by Russian military aircraft or drones. On September 19, three Russian military aircraft violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting NATO fighter jets to intercept and escort them out. Russia denied the incursion into Estonia. Prior to that, over twenty Russian drones entered Polish airspace. NATO jets shot down some of these drones.