For the third time this week
Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea – Poland sends fighter jets
October 31, 2025 – 4:53 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Polish fighter jets have once again intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Ilyushin IL-20 flying without a flight plan marks the third such incident within a week.
For the third time this week, Polish Air Force fighter jets have intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Ilyushin IL-20 aircraft was escorted by two Polish MiG-29 fighter jets on Friday morning, the High Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on Platform X. It also posted a photo of the machine over the sea.
The statement went on to say that the Russian reconnaissance aircraft was traveling in international airspace without a flight plan and with the transponder switched off. The IL-20 was therefore a safety risk for air traffic in the region. “The Polish pilots intercepted and identified the foreign aircraft, then escorted it in accordance with NATO procedures.” The airspace over Poland was therefore not violated.
“The Polish army remains in full combat readiness and responds efficiently to all provocative actions by Russia,” the high command emphasized on Friday. We are working in close cooperation with our NATO partners.
According to the German Air Force, a mid-air interception occurs when fighter jets fly close to a foreign aircraft that is behaving suspiciously. The fighter jet pilots maintain visual contact and make certain gestures.
There is no pushing away or dangerous maneuvers. A NATO country’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) can be triggered when a foreign aircraft approaches its airspace and violates normal behavior.
