Poland deploys fighter jets to monitor Russian reconnaissance aircraft

The Polish military deployed fighter jets to track a Russian reconnaissance aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea, near its airspace.

"In the international waters of the Baltic Sea, Polish fighter jets approached, identified, and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft operating near our airspace," the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command stated on 25/12, but did not disclose the type of aircraft involved.

On the same day, Polish air defense detected several objects suspected to be smuggling balloons flying from Belarus. Polish authorities partially closed airspace in Podlaskie province, in the country's northeast, to ensure safety.

Location of some Baltic Sea coastal countries. *Graphics: BBC*

The Polish National Security Agency suggested that the large-scale balloon intrusion, along with the Russian aircraft's activity in the Baltic Sea, indicated "this appears to be an act of provocation, disguised as smuggling".

Russia and Belarus have not yet commented on the information.

NATO's eastern flank nations are on high alert following an alleged incident in September where a pair of Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly flew into Estonian airspace, a member nation of the alliance. Russia denied the reports and accused Estonia of instigating a confrontation.

This is not an isolated incident. On 28/10, the Polish Air Force deployed two MiG-29 fighter jets to monitor an Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft flying in international airspace. The Russian plane was undeclared and had its transponder turned off. Polish jets then shadowed the Il-20 until it left the area.