"Russian Plane Intercepted by German, Swedish Jets Over Baltic Sea"

German and Swedish Jets Intercept Russian Military Plane Over Baltic Sea In a tense incident over the Baltic Sea, German and Swedish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance plane that had entered neutral airspace on Sunday morning, according to officials from both countries. The aircraft was identified as an IL-20, a type of surveillance plane used by the Russian military. The intercept occurred after NATO ordered Germany's "quick reaction alert force" to investigate an unidentified aircraft flying without a plan or radio contact, German officials said. The Eurofighter Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept the Russian plane, and they successfully escorted it out of neutral airspace. According to Swedish officials, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining air security in the region. "This is a clear example of how we work together with our NATO partners to ensure the safety and security of our skies," said a spokesperson for the Swedish Defense Ministry. The IL-20 has been used by Russia in the past for reconnaissance missions over Ukraine, raising concerns about its potential use in similar operations in the Baltic region. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the need for increased air defense capabilities in Europe. NATO officials have not commented on the specific circumstances surrounding the intercept, but a spokesperson noted that "the alliance is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region." The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly in the Baltic region. The Russian military has not made any official statements about the incident, but it has been reported that the IL-20 was on a routine reconnaissance mission when it entered neutral airspace. The exact route taken by the plane is unclear, but officials say it was escorted out of the area without incident. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving Russian military aircraft in the Baltic region, including a 2015 incident in which a Russian Su-24 fighter jet flew within 100 feet of a Swedish warship. The incident highlighted the need for increased air security measures in the region and led to calls for greater cooperation between NATO member states. The current situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining a high level of vigilance in the skies over the Baltic Sea. As one expert noted, "the incident is a reminder that tensions between Russia and NATO are still running high, and we must remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of our skies." This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.