NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission Responds to Russian Incursions
A Russian Su-30 fighter jet briefly entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island on March 18, 2026, prompting a diplomatic protest from Tallinn. The incident is part of a pattern of recurring Russian military air activity around Estonia’s borders, which has raised concerns about the region’s security. NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission has been safeguarding Baltic airspace since 2004, and the Italian Air Force has been deployed to Ämari Air Base since 2014. The incident was first reported by AeroTime.