Poland Intercepts Russian Su-24 Performing ‘Dangerous Maneuvers’

Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Su-24 aircraft conducting “dangerous maneuvers” over international waters in the Baltic Sea.

This news was reported by Polish RMF24, citing a press conference by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

“Last night, NATO’s Joint Operational Command in Europe ordered a Polish fighter jet to intercept a Russian Su-24,” the minister said.

According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, aerial provocations by Russia are occurring with increasing frequency. In this case, the aircraft performed hazardous maneuvers that suggested the pilot’s actions were both deliberate and reckless. The incident took place entirely in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

The aircraft in question was likely not a bomber but a Su-24MR, a reconnaissance variant of the Su-24.

The Su-24MR is equipped for radio reconnaissance and can locate operational radars used by NATO air defense systems.

Russian Su-24MRs frequently operate in the Baltic Sea region, often flying close to NATO airspace and, on occasion, violating it.

In addition, on Friday, May 21, a Russian tanker from the so-called “shadow fleet” was observed near an underwater power cable linking Poland and Sweden.

The vessel was reportedly conducting “suspicious maneuvers” near the cable. Following intervention by Polish military forces, it altered course toward a Russian port.

“Yesterday, based on intelligence reports, we tracked a tanker previously listed as part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ It was maneuvering suspiciously — not in Polish territorial waters, but directly above subsea power cables owned by PSE,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

To investigate further, the Polish Navy dispatched the hydrographic survey ship ORP Heweliusz to the area. The vessel is tasked with monitoring underwater infrastructure and assessing any potential threats.

“We do not respond to provocations, but we do respond — appropriately, both individually and collectively,” the defense minister said.