Dutch F-35 fighters intercepted three Russian military planes over the Baltic Sea on Friday, he said in a statement on Monday Minister of Defense Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans.
As the politician noted, this was the first interception made in this area by Dutch machines.
Russian planes intercepted over the Baltic Sea. They entered NATO space
According to the release, these are two Dutch ones F-35 stationed in Estonia they intercepted a Russian transport machine, a Su-24 bomber and a reconnaissance plane. They then escorted the aircraft over international waters to the edge of their area of responsibility NATO.
“That's why our people are there: to defend our shared airspace against threats from Russia. As became obvious once again on Friday, Russian forces are active in many ways in NATO airspace“- wrote Brekelmans in a statement.
“Our allies on Baltic Sea they are satisfied with our efforts. I am proud of our people who were immediately able to demonstrate their value to our security,” added the minister.
The statement recalled that on December 1, a Dutch unit was deployed to Estonia as part of the NATO Air Policing mission. Four F-35s are currently stationed at Ämari Air Base to “monitor NATO airspace over Eastern Europe.” The machines are ready to intercept an unidentified object in just a few minutes.