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Estonia Signals Green Light for Nuclear-Capable F-35 Fighters Amid 3 Russian MiG-31 Airspace Violation
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Estonia’s defense minister Hanno Pevkur said Tallinn is prepared to host allied fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, including British aircraft, following last week’s incursion by Russian warplanes into Estonian airspace, according to the Telegraph on September 23.
“I’m always open. The door is always open for allies,” Pevkur said when asked about hosting nuclear-capable British F-35As.
The statement comes as British plans to join NATO’s airborne nuclear mission advance. In June, London confirmed it will purchase 12 F-35A jets and integrate them into NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft posture.
“In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, calling the move “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation”.
Russia has condemned Estonia’s readiness. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on that such a move would be “an immediate danger,” after Pevkur first outlined the policy amid UK procurement plans.
Tensions spiked again on September 20 when three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes near Vaindloo Island, prompting Italian F-35s to respond under NATO’s Baltic mission.
“Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft,” a NATO spokesperson said on X, according to Reuters. Moscow denied any breach.
Previously, it was reported that Estonia requested NATO Article 4 consultations after three Russian MiG-31 jets entered its airspace and NATO fighters responded.
