NATO fighter jets have been scrambled to intercept a rare Russian aircraft near the Baltic Sea. Italian Eurofighter Typhoons stationed at a base in Estonia as part of a longstanding NATO air policing mission tracked the Russian navy Beriev BE-200 as it travelled near alliance airspace. 

“At approximately 11:30 today, Italian Air Force Aeronautica Militare Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft deployed at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, were scrambled to intercept a Russian BE-200 aircraft flying from mainland Russia towards the Baltic Sea,” NATO’s Allied Air Command said in a statement on social media.

“This activity forms part of NATO Air Policing, which safeguards NATO airspace around the clock.

“In 2025, more than 500 scrambles have been conducted across NATO airspace.”

There was no comment on whether the Russian plane had entered allied airspace.

The BE-200 is capable of carrying out roles including firefighting, search and rescue and maritime patrol.

The plane that was intercepted by NATO made its first flight in 2020, according to The Aviationist outlet.

NATO accused the Kremlin of “reckless behaviour” around its borders last year following a series of high-profile incidents.

Europe is working on building a so-called drone wall along its eastern flank in response to the Russian incursions.

British fighter jets also often intercept Russian jets, both near the UK and across NATO as part of deployments aimed at bolstering the alliance’s airspace.