Russian aircraft prompts emergency response from NATO-assigned Italian F-35 jets in initial deployment under air policing mission.
On August 13, 2025, two Italian F-35 fighter jets were scrambled from Ämari Air Base in Estonia, marking their first deployment in the Baltic region under NATO's Air Policing mission. The jets were dispatched to intercept Russian Su-24 and Su-27 military aircraft operating near NATO's Baltic airspace [1][2][4].
The incident underscored NATO's quick response capabilities and readiness to safeguard the airspace of its member states, particularly those, like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which lack their own fighter jets and rely on NATO allies for aerial defense [1][4][5].
The Russian aircraft in question was identified as a Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, which was flying without transponders or flight plans. Despite repeated calls from Ämari Air Base, the Russian aircraft did not respond and retreated after the Italian jets' arrival [3][4].
The interception lasted approximately 20 minutes, and the Russian Tu-142 was operating in international airspace near Estonia. This incident highlights the significance of NATO's Air Policing mission in ensuring the safety and security of its member states [1][4][5].
In a statement issued by NATO's air command, the incident was monitored by NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Uedem, Germany. The Italian F-35s did not violate any airspace during the interception, and the incident marked the first time the Italian F-35s have been involved in an interception of a Russian aircraft under NATO's air policing mission [2][4].
NATO's Air Policing mission is a collective, defensive effort involving constant surveillance and quick reaction alert with the objective of preserving Alliance airspace integrity and deterring potential threats, contributing to the security of Italy and the wider Alliance [1][4][5].
