MiG-31 in Estonian Airspace: NATO to Hold Consultations Under Article 4

The North Atlantic Council will meet today in response to Estonia’s request for consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.

The reason for this is Friday’s provocation – an airspace violation by three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets in Estonia’s airspace.

The aircraft had no flight plans, and their transponders were turned off. At the time of the violation, they also did not maintain bilateral radio communication with the Estonian air traffic control service.

“Russia has already violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself. But today’s (September 19) incursion, when three interceptors entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated.

According to Politico, Italian F-35 fighter jets were scrambled from the Ämari airbase to intercept the Russian aircraft. NATO spokeswoman Alison Hart also confirmed the incident.

Article 4 of the Washington Treaty allows any NATO member country to initiate consultations with allies if it believes that its security, territorial integrity, or independence is threatened.

On September 10, Poland also activated Article 4 after Russian drones invaded its territory.