Estonia sees first year without Russian airspace violations since 2014

Photo: ERR, One of the two Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 ('Flanker-B') aircraft intercepted and escorted by NATO jets.One of the two Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 ('Flanker-B') aircraft intercepted and escorted by NATO jets. Source: NATO

Estonia’s airspace was not breached by Russia in 2023 – the first time in almost a decade. However, experts do not believe it suggests a reduction in Russia’s capabilities due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian military aircraft have repeatedly flown in Estonia’s airspace without permission more than 40 times since 2014 when NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission deployed to the country.

Incursions peaked in 2016 at ten and have been five or below since 2019.

Last year the number fell from three in 2022 – two helicopters and one plane – to zero, the Ministry of Defense confirmed.

More read: ERR

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