NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Responds To Brief Incursion

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet briefly entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island on March 18, 2026, prompting a response from an Italian Air Force unit deployed to Ämari Air Base as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. The incident, which lasted about one minute, led to Estonia summoning the Russian Embassy’s chargé d’affaires to hand over a diplomatic protest note. While Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the incident posed no threat to Estonia’s security, it adds to a pattern of recurring Russian military air activity around Estonia’s borders. This incident was reported by AeroTime.