Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets stationed at Ämari Air Base in Estonia were scrambled yesterday to intercept a Russian Beriev Be-200 aircraft flying from mainland Russia toward the Baltic Sea.
The operation was carried out by the Aeronautica Militare as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission, which provides continuous airspace protection, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank.
NATO Air Policing involves rapid response by fighter jets to unidentified or non-compliant military aircraft operating near Alliance airspace. Jets are deployed to visually identify, monitor, and, if necessary, escort such flights without entering hostile airspace or engaging unless required.
According to NATO figures, over 500 air policing sorties were conducted across NATO airspace in 2025, reflecting steady levels of activity along the Alliance’s borders.
These missions are rotational among allied nations and operate 24/7 to safeguard NATO territory and maintain airspace integrity.
