With a Portuguese frigate already on the way to a four-month NATO posting in the Baltic Sea, Portuguese fighter jets have been scrambled to intercept a Russian military plane flying close to Baltic states airspace.
Russian focus on Baltic countries has increased exponentially since Ukraine started targeting its invader’s oil terminals. Earlier this week, spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova warned: “If the regimes of these countries have enough sense, they will listen. If not, they will have to deal with a response.” Thus, the need for NATO preparedness.
The scrambling of the F-16M fighter jets on Monday was the first emergency intercept mission carried out by the Portuguese since its deployment to Estonia a week previously.
The alert was issued by the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem (Germany) after the Ilyushin Il-76 was detected flying over international waters, “in the vicinity of allied airspace”.
“The mission was a success,” reports the Air Force, adding that the Russian plane was escorted to the vicinity of the Baltic States’ airspace border.
According to the statement, the operation demonstrates “the high state of readiness and proficiency of the Portuguese detachment in the continuous monitoring of NATO airspace”.
The Portuguese F-16Ms have been stationed at Ämari Air Base in Estonia since April 1 as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing 2026 mission.
Portugal is participating in this mission with four aircraft and around 95 military personnel, contributing to the air defence of the Baltic States and the deterrence of potential threats.
This is the Portuguese Air Force’s 9th participation in missions of this type in the region, and the 2nd from Estonia.
Meantime, with uncertainty over NATO’s ‘future’ in its current form, the alliance secretary-general Mark Rutte has been in Washington for talks with the United States administration – including President Trump.
The upshot of his various meetings has been a full-throated tirade over Mr Trump’s social media page, but, for now at least, the alliance appears to be holding.
Source material: SIC Notícias/ Euronews/ Politico
