Panic in Estonia After Russian Jets Violate Airspace for 12 Minutes

Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on Friday morning. The incursion lasted 12 minutes. NATO jets scrambled in response. Estonia confirmed the incident and called it a serious violation. The move triggered panic in the country and led to immediate action from NATO allies.

Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed the breach. According to officials, three Russian MiG-31 jets flew into Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, over the Gulf of Finland. They had no flight plans, their transponders were off, and they did not respond to air traffic control. The jets left only after NATO fighters intercepted them. This marked the fourth such violation this year.

Panic in Estonia as NATO Scrambles Jets

The Italian Air Force, stationed at Ämari Air Base under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, scrambled fighter jets. The Russian planes were forced to retreat. The Estonian defence ministry said the incident was “unprecedentedly brutal.” According to Reuters, NATO officials are treating the breach as a direct threat to alliance security.

Estonia summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires to protest. The Foreign Ministry described the move as unacceptable. Officials stressed that repeated violations risk escalation. Estonia is a frontline NATO state, sharing borders with Russia and facing constant security pressure. The violation sparked brief panic among citizens as news spread quickly.

Estonia Calls for NATO Article 4

Following the incident, Estonia invoked NATO’s Article 4. This allows members to request urgent consultations when their security is threatened. Prime Minister Michal said NATO’s response must be united and strong. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that the North Atlantic Council will meet next week. Poland also called for consultations after downing Russian drones near its borders.

The repeated intrusions highlight rising tensions in the Baltic. Analysts warn that Russia may be testing NATO’s response times. NATO maintains a constant presence in the region to secure Baltic skies. Estonian leaders said the breach shows the importance of a strong collective defence. Citizens have been reassured that NATO forces remain vigilant.

Estonia now faces renewed pressure to boost its air defences. NATO partners pledged support. The panic in Estonia shows how fragile security can be in the Baltic.

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Q1: Why was there panic in Estonia?

Panic spread after three Russian jets entered Estonian airspace without warning. NATO jets scrambled to intercept, raising fears of escalation.

Q2: How long did Russian jets stay in Estonia?

The jets stayed for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland before NATO fighters forced them to retreat.

Q3: What is NATO Article 4?

Article 4 allows a NATO member to call consultations when its security or political independence is threatened. Estonia invoked this after the incursion.

Q4: How did Estonia respond to Russia?

Estonia summoned the Russian envoy and lodged a protest. Leaders described the violation as unacceptable and unprecedentedly aggressive.

Q5: How many times has Russia violated Estonian airspace this year?

This was the fourth violation in 2025, according to Estonia’s defence ministry.