French Military Aircraft Jammed by Russian Radar During NATO Surveillance Flight

A French military aircraft conducting a surveillance flight as part of a NATO operation, in response to suspected Russian damage to underwater cables, experienced an “attempted jamming” and came within range of a Russian radar system.

This was reported by Le Figaro, citing a French military source said on January 16.

French Armed Forces spokesperson Guillaume Vernet stated that this demonstrates Russia’s “aggressive actions.”

“The fact that our aircraft, operating over international waters, was 'jammed' by radar demonstrates aggressive actions,” Vernet said.

The military official also noted that such actions are not uncommon in this domain and indicate that Russia is not remaining passive.

Vernet emphasized that the professional conduct of the French crew prevented any escalation.

“The Russian army was also not inclined to follow through on its threats, as attacking a NATO aircraft could have triggered a sudden and significant escalation in relations with the Alliance,” he added.

Minister of the Armed Forces of France Sébastien Lecornu stated on X that the aircraft was patrolling international airspace over the Baltic Sea as part of a NATO operation and was illuminated by the fire control radar of an S400 ground-to-air defense system.

On January 16, Estonia authorized its Navy to use force in the Baltic Sea when necessary to respond to threats.