Polish MiG-29s intercept Russian spy plane over Baltic Sea
Polish Air Force fighter jets intercepted and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on October 28, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces said in an official release.
The incident involved a Russian Il-20M reconnaissance plane flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off, prompting a rapid response from Poland’s air defense alert system.
According to the command, a pair of MiG-29 fighters from the Polish Air Force were scrambled to identify and escort the Russian aircraft, which was operating in international airspace over the Baltic. The statement confirmed that the Il-20 did not enter Polish airspace.
“The Polish fighters successfully intercepted, visually identified, and escorted the Russian Federation aircraft from the area of responsibility,” the release said. The operation was conducted “quickly, effectively, and safely” thanks to the high readiness and professionalism of Polish pilots and the efficient functioning of the air defense system, the statement added.
Based on imagery released by the Polish Armed Forces, the intercepted aircraft was identified as an Ilyushin Il-20M with the Russian Aerospace Forces serial number RF-95671 and construction number 173011501.
The Il-20M, operated by the Russian Air Force, is a turboprop reconnaissance platform designed for signals and electronic intelligence missions. Russian aircraft of this type are frequently observed over the Baltic Sea, where NATO member states maintain continuous air policing operations to deter and monitor uncooperative military flights near allied borders.
Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces emphasized that maintaining the integrity of national airspace remains an ongoing mission. “Protecting Polish skies is not only a duty but a daily mission of our soldiers, who guard the safety of our country with full commitment,” the command said in its statement.
The launch of the MiG-29 alert pair formed part of Poland’s contribution to the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, which provides rapid-response coverage across the alliance’s eastern flank.
“The Polish Armed Forces remain in constant readiness to react to any danger and protect the sovereignty of Polish airspace,” the statement said.
The interception of the Russian Il-20M adds to a pattern of reconnaissance flights over the Baltic region in recent months, many conducted without transponders or communication with civilian air traffic control. Polish officials said the Air Force will continue to carry out these missions as part of its commitment to national and NATO collective defense responsibilities.
