Estonia Calls for NATO Consultation Following Russian Airspace Violation

Thu Oct 16 2025 03:45:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Estonia seeks urgent discussions with NATO allies after Russian fighter jets allegedly intruded its airspace. The incursion raises concerns about regional security amid heightened tensions.

In the wake of Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violating Estonian airspace, Estonia has requested consultations with NATO. This marks the fifth such violation in 2023, raising alarms about Russia's escalating military actions. NATO members, including Italy and Sweden, responded by scrambling jets. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe following previous airspace breaches involving drones. The Estonian government emphasizes the need for a unified response to these provocations.

Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies 'without permission' and remained for a total of 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, according to the government.

In response to the incursion, Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets under NATO's mission to bolster its eastern flank. A NATO spokesperson remarked that this incident exemplifies 'reckless Russian behavior and NATO's capacity to respond.'

Despite Russia's denial of any violation, tensions are escalating, with Poland and Romania recently reporting breaches by Russian drones. Under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, consultations have been initiated, marking the second time in September a member has requested this due to Russian provocations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated, 'NATO's response to any provocation must be united and strong.' The country's defense strategy emphasizes the significance of consultative efforts with allies to ensure collective security.

As a member of NATO, Estonia shares a border with Russia, heightening its vulnerability to such incidents. The government confirmed that the Russian jets did not have flight plans and were operating with their transponders turned off, failing to communicate with Estonian air traffic control.

Former NATO officials have called for a more decisive stance against Russia, indicating that multiple incursions could lead to severe strategic uncertainties for NATO members in Europe.