Estonia Accuses Russia of ‘Unprecedentedly Brazen’ Airspace Violation

Reuters

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

The Government of Estonia has accused Russia of violating its airspace in what it described as an “unprecedentedly brazen” incident on Friday, 19 September 2025, when three Russian military jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.

The incident occurred just over a week after more than 20 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace on the night of 9–10 September, prompting NATO jets to intercept some of them. Western officials have said such actions are part of Moscow’s attempts to test the alliance’s readiness and resolve.

Tallinn confirmed that three MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without authorisation, remaining inside for a total of 12 minutes. The incident came only three days after Russian and Belarusian forces concluded their joint military exercises, Zapad 2025.

“Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times already this year, which is unacceptable in itself, but today’s violation, during which three fighter jets entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen,” said Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. “Russia’s ever-increasing testing of borders and aggressiveness must be responded to by rapidly strengthening political and economic pressure.”

The Estonian Defence Forces reported that the incident took place on Friday morning in the vicinity of Vaindloo Island, around 100 kilometres from the capital Tallinn. The aircraft had no flight plans, their transponders were switched off, and they were not in contact with air traffic control.

Estonia said it had summoned the senior Russian diplomat in Tallinn to lodge a formal protest and deliver a diplomatic note.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has not yet responded to the allegations.

Although Russian aircraft have frequently crossed into Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, such incursions are typically brief and Friday’s 12-minute violation was notably longer.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian

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