Italian F-35 fighter jets were sent from Estonia for the first occasion to intercept „Russian planes,” stated NATO’s air command, reported Sky News, DefenseHere, and ArmyRecognition.
„The Italian Air Force, part of the 32nd Squadron at Ämari Air Base, is on high alert around the clock, showcasing the alliance’s dedication to safeguarding NATO airspace,” the command added.
On August 13, two Italian Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters were launched from Ämari Air Base in Estonia to intercept Russian aircraft approaching NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, as confirmed by NATO Air Command. This mission marked the first involvement of Italy’s fifth-generation aircraft for such operations in the Baltic Sea, taking place less than a day after Hungarian Gripen aircraft performed a comparable mission.
Per NATO, the Italian jets intercepted a Russian Su-24 bomber and a Su-27 fighter that were flying without flight plans and had inactive transponders, a behavior the Alliance linked to intentional testing of its air defense systems.
The Su-27 displayed markings associated with a regiment stationed in Kaliningrad, which positioned it within striking distance of the Baltic air policing zone.
The swift deployment of the Italian fighters underscores rising air activity over the Baltic Sea, where NATO pilots often come across Russian planes, frequently with scant communication. Such flights necessitate immediate responses from allied aircraft, heightening the demands for continuous preparedness.
For Italy, the interception illustrated that its F-35s, featuring „stealth” designs, sophisticated sensors, and integrated targeting systems, are now integral to NATO’s air policing operations. Although these aircraft have previously been deployed in Eastern Europe, this represented their inaugural action in the Baltic region.
The sequential actions by Hungarian and Italian fighters signify what NATO officials regard as a persistent escalation of Russian aerial operations, with Moscow seemingly testing the Alliance’s response times and coordination.
