NATO official announcements

French Navy Aircraft Targeted by Russian S-400 During NATO Baltic Sentry Operation Over Baltic Sea

Jan 17, 2025, 01:11 PM

A French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, operating as part of a NATO operation over the Baltic Sea, was targeted by the Russian military. The incident occurred during the night of January 15-16, 2025, when the aircraft was subjected to a jamming attempt and illuminated by the fire-control radar of a Russian S-400 air defense system while patrolling in international airspace. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the action as an 'aggressive Russian action' that is 'unacceptable.' The aircraft was on a surveillance mission within the framework of the NATO Baltic Sentry operation, in response to recent damage to undersea cables, suspected to be acts of sabotage by Russia. The French Armed Forces emphasized their commitment to defending freedom of navigation in international air and sea spaces.