Berlin: Germany's Luftwaffe reported on Wednesday that three Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea without transponder signals had been intercepted.
According to a tweet from the German air force, German and British forces were sent in to identify the two Sukhoi Su-27 fighter planes and one Ilyushin Il-20 plane. It published several pictures of the Russian plane in midair.
earlier in november 2022 two Russian fighter jets had approached alliance naval ships in the Baltic Sea during routine operations in a "unsafe and unprofessional manner." Following the Russian pilots' failure to respond to communications, NATO's maritime command reported that the jets flew over "the force at an altitude of 300 feet (91 metres) and a distance of 80 yards (73 metres)" on Thursday morning.
Also Read: Man executed in Singapore for arranging the delivery of marijuana
"NATO deemed the interaction unsafe and unprofessional since it was conducted in a known danger area, which was activated for air defence training, and due to the aircraft altitude and proximity," a statement from the organisation read.
The interaction raised the possibility of errors, mistakes, and mishaps. According to the statement, NATO forces "acted responsibly" and in accordance with maritime laws.
Also Read: In drills amid tensions with China, US and Philippine forces demonstrate their strength
"NATO will take appropriate action in response to any interference with NATO's legitimate activity in the region that jeopardises the safety of our ships, aircraft, or crew members. NATO doesn't seek conflict and doesn't pose a threat, it claimed. As a result of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, tensions between the western military alliance and Russia have risen dramatically.
This week, concerns over a conflict between the two sides increased after a missile killed two people in Poland, a NATO member that borders Ukraine.
By claiming that it was probably one of Kyiv's air defence rockets, the alliance reduced hostilities.
Since the September explosions at the Russia-European gas pipelines, which a Swedish investigation on Friday confirmed were caused by acts of sabotage, NATO has increased its naval presence in the Baltic and North seas by twofold.
Also Read: Liberia is charged with 'neglect' and 'contempt' for its citizens by the US ambassador
NATO's maritime force in the Baltic Sea, which consists of ships from the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark, has been conducting operations to improve coordination with Sweden and Finland, both of which are expected to formally join the alliance soon.
The two Nordic neighbours' decision to join NATO and abandon their long-standing non-alignment policy has angered the Kremlin.