Russian Il-20M Intercepted by German Jets After Violating NATO Airspace Near Rügen

A Russian reconnaissance aircraft entered NATO airspace on March 27 without an active transponder signal. German fighter jets from Laage Air Base intercepted the aircraft and escorted it until it turned back toward Kaliningrad, Tagesschau reported.

The incident took place east of the island of Rügen. German interceptors identified and monitored the unauthorized aircraft until it exited NATO-controlled airspace.

According to the German Air Force, the aircraft involved was identified as an Ilyushin Il-20M, which was flying without a flight plan and failed to respond to radio communications. German jets conducted a standard intercept and escort procedure, following established NATO protocols.

The interception was carried out by the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) unit stationed at Laage in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The QRA operates under NATO command and is tasked with maintaining the security of both NATO and national airspace.

On February 11, a Russian Su-24MR reconnaissance supersonic aircraft violated Polish airspace. The bomber, which took off from the Kaliningrad region, violated Polish airspace at 2:09 p.m., penetrating 6.5 kilometers into Polish territory and remaining there for 1 minute and 12 seconds.