Poland Responds to Russian Military Aviation Activity Near NATO Airspace

Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on March 13, 2026, after it was detected flying without a flight plan and with its transponder off. The Polish Air Force escorted the aircraft out of their area of responsibility. The incident is the latest sign of continued Russian military aviation activity near NATO airspace in the Baltic region. The Il-20, a Soviet-designed intelligence-gathering aircraft, was conducting its ninth reconnaissance mission of 2026 in international airspace. The Polish military said the interception was completed ‘quickly, professionally and safely’. The incident was reported by AeroTime.