NATO has confirmed that it intercepted three Russian MIG-31s codenamed FOXHOUND, which entered Estonian airspace today in a clear escalation of tensions in the region.
Russia has been testing western military alliances reactions recently with drone incursion into Polish airspace and this latest breach has been descried as “reckless” by NATO spokesperson Allison Hart.
In a statement Ms Hart said NATO had “responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft”.
Estonia’s foreign ministry summoned the Russian diplomats in order to lodge an official protest over the incident which the Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said was “unprecedentedly brazen”.
The Mikoyan MIG-31 is a supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the Soviet air forces.
A veteran of the Cold War, the Foxhound can fly at speeds up to 1,900 mph making it the fastest known operational combat aircraft.
As well as its interceptor role, the Foxhound can also be equipped with Air to surface and anti-ship missiles making it a significant threat to armed fleets.
The incursion is the fourth violation into Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft this year.
Discover more from UK Aviation News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
