Dutch F-35s Escort Russian Aircraft Away from NATO Airspace Over Baltic Sea

Dec 9, 2024, 03:16 PM

Dutch F-35 fighter jets, operating from Estonia as part of NATO's Air Policing mission, intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea for the first time. The Dutch Defence Ministry confirmed that the aircraft, including a Sukhoi Su-24MR and an Antonov An-72, were escorted away from NATO airspace. This marks the first time Dutch F-35s have been scrambled in response to Russian surveillance planes, showcasing NATO's commitment to protecting its eastern border.