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Russian Su-30 Fighter Breaches NATO Airspace Over Estonia, Triggers Rapid Response

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Photo of Ivan Khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
Russian Navy Su-30SM fighter jet performs a demonstration flight during the MAKS-2015 airshow near Zhukovsky, Moscow region, Russia. (Source: Getty Images)
Russian Navy Su-30SM fighter jet performs a demonstration flight during the MAKS-2015 airshow near Zhukovsky, Moscow region, Russia. (Source: Getty Images)

A Russian Su-30 multirole fighter jet briefly entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland on March 18, marking the first such incident in 2026.

According to ERR on March 20, the aircraft crossed into Estonian-controlled airspace without authorization during the afternoon of March 18 and remained there for approximately one minute near Vaindloo Island.

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Estonian military officials reported that the jet had no filed flight plan and did not maintain radio communication with Estonian air traffic control.

Italian Air Force fighters deployed to Ämari Air Base as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission were scrambled in response to the incident to identify the aircraft. Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation to issue a formal protest and deliver a diplomatic note over the violation.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on the incident, stating: “Russia’s continued violations of NATO airspace are yet another reminder that its aggression extends far beyond Ukraine. We strongly condemn this reckless act and stand in full solidarity with Estonia. There must be zero tolerance for such provocations. Russia must face continued pressure and accountability, while Allies remain united in safeguarding our collective security.”

According to ERR, this marks the first violation of Estonian airspace by a Russian military aircraft in 2026. Estonian authorities emphasized that both the absence of a flight plan and the lack of radio contact constitute breaches of standard international aviation procedures.

Earlier, Norwegian F-35 fighter jets intercepted a Russian formation of two Tu-95 strategic bombers escorted by Su-35 fighters over the Barents Sea during a NATO air policing mission, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces on February 28.

The aircraft remained in international airspace, with the operation described as a routine but essential effort to monitor Russian long-range aviation near Alliance borders.

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