Russian jets violate Estonian airspace, Estonia says

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace on Friday, Estonia’s foreign minister said. The jets flew together and hovered inside Estonian airspace for more than 12 minutes before Italian F-35 fighters pushed them out, according to two NATO sources cited by Fox News Digital. The jets were reportedly capable of carrying high-speed, air-launched ballistic missiles known as Kinzhals, though it was not clear whether they carried such weapons in the incident.

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the incursion, calling it unprecedentedly brazen. "Russia has already violated Estonia’s airspace four times this year, which in itself is unacceptable. But today’s incursion, involving three fighter aircraft entering our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen," Tsahkna said. "Russia’s increasingly extensive testing of boundaries and growing aggressiveness must be met with a swift increase in political and economic pressure."

Estonia said it is considering requesting Article 4 consultations with NATO. Article 4 allows a member to request consultations when its territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. It does not automatically trigger a military response, but it signals serious concern and can lead to strengthened alliance coordination.

The incident comes after days of tension in the region, including Poland’s claim that drones breached its airspace during a major Russian bombardment of Ukraine. Warsaw said at least 19 drones crossed into Polish territory from Belarus and Ukraine, prompting temporary airport closures and the scrambling of NATO air defenses. Poland labeled the breaches an "act of aggression" and invoked Article 4 consultations with NATO. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the breaches as unprecedented and warned they posed a direct threat.

Estonia’s foreign minister spoke about the incident after a Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8, meeting on Bornholm, Denmark, where ministers discussed security in the Baltic region and alliance deterrence. The meeting underscored the alliance’s concern about increased Russian testing of borders and the need for coordinated responses across member states.

White House officials could not immediately be reached for comment about the Estonian incident. The episode adds to a series of recent security frictions in Europe, including Russian activity near Baltic states and ongoing tensions tied to Russia's war in Ukraine. NATO has reiterated its commitment to collective defense and to boosting air-policing and deterrence in the eastern member states.

The incident illustrates the fragile security dynamic in the Baltic region, where Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and neighboring NATO members have repeatedly stressed the importance of unity and readiness in the face of potential miscalculation. While Article 4 consultations are non-binding and do not guarantee a military response, they signal NATO's willingness to coordinate a coordinated, high-level diplomatic response and to coordinate defense planning across allies.

This is a developing story, and authorities in the region are monitoring the situation closely as officials consider next steps, including further consultations with NATO and potential measures at the alliance level.