NATO Air Command confirmed that Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets deployed to Amari Air Base in Estonia were scrambled at 11:30 a.m. on January 16 to intercept a Russian Be-200 aircraft approaching the Baltic Sea.
The interception took place as part of NATO’s routine air policing mission in the region, aimed at monitoring and responding to military flights near Allied airspace.
According to NATO Air Command, the aircraft was detected as it approached the Baltic Sea region without prior coordination, prompting the quick reaction alert launch of the Italian fighters stationed in Estonia. The alliance said the mission was conducted safely and in accordance with established procedures, ensuring continued monitoring of air activity near NATO borders.
As noted by NATO Air Command, more than 500 air policing scrambles have been executed across NATO airspace since the beginning of 2025, reflecting the sustained pace of Russian military aviation activity near the alliance’s eastern flank. Air Policing and enhanced Vigilance Activities, the command said, remain in effect around the clock to ensure Allied security and maintain situational awareness.
The Russian aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Be-200PS amphibious aircraft, tail number “21 Yellow,” operated by Russian Naval Aviation. The Be-200 is a relatively rare platform within Russia’s military inventory. It was originally produced in limited numbers, primarily for foreign customers and for specialized civilian and government services, rather than for frontline military use.
Only recently has the Be-200 been transferred to Russian military units to perform specific operational tasks over water. According to available information, these tasks include support missions linked to maritime operations, potential evacuation roles, and activities connected to vessels associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers operating in international waters. The aircraft’s ability to land on both runways and water gives it a niche role in maritime environments, particularly in regions where Russia maintains naval and logistical interests.
The Be-200PS variant is designed for search and rescue and maritime patrol-related missions, rather than combat operations. It is based on the Be-200 amphibious jet, which was initially developed for firefighting and emergency response. In military service, the platform has been adapted for surveillance and support roles, although it remains uncommon compared to standard patrol aircraft used by Russia’s Aerospace Forces or Navy.
The long-term operational outlook for the Be-200 fleet remains uncertain due to technical constraints. The aircraft is powered by engines of Ukrainian origin, and Russia has so far been unable to replace them with a fully domestic alternative. This has limited production and modernization options and created ongoing sustainment challenges for the fleet, particularly as existing engines approach the end of their service life.
