Dutch Fighter Jets Intercept Three Russian Planes Over Baltic Sea

• 10.12.2024, 5:13

This was announced by the Minister of defence of the Netherlands.

Two Dutch F-35 fighter jets have intercepted over the Baltic Sea three Russian aircraft. This was announced by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans on Monday, December 9.

‘Proud that our air force is ready to defend our common NATO airspace!’ he wrote on X.

The Dutch defence ministry said the interception took place on Friday, December 6.

It is noted that F-35 fighter jets have been patrolling the airspace on NATO's eastern border since early December. Part of that mission is the Quick Reaction Array (QRA). This means that two F-35 fighter jets take off within minutes to intercept another aircraft. This can happen when an aircraft that does not identify itself in any way is approaching NATO airspace, the department explained.

It noted that on December 6, Dutch fighter jets were brought up to intercept an AN-72 transport plane and an SU-24MR reconnaissance plane. Later, the F-35s again flew up to intercept the Il-20 reconnaissance plane.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the F-35 fighters carried out a remote escort of the aircraft over international waters to the border of the NATO area of responsibility.