Polish Armed Forces Operational Command said that F-16 fighter jets had been scrambled to intercept the Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft after its transponder was turned off over the Baltic Sea
A Polish F-16 (foregroun) (file photo)(Image: Cpl Jake Hobbs/RAF / SWNS)
A Russian aircraft has been intercepted by Polish F-16 fighter jets during a reconnaissance mission.
The Polish fighters were scrambled on Thursday (April 8) after the Russian plane was spotted over the Baltic Sea.
Polish Armed Forces Operational Command reported that the Russian plane was an Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft.
The Polish military body explained: “The F-16 fighter jets on duty successfully intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea from its area of responsibility.”
The Polish military said the fighters had been scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft after it failed to respond to calls from air traffic control. The aircraft’s transponder was also turned off.
“Aircraft interceptions are not a demonstration of force, but are one of the basic tools for ensuring real control over the country’s airspace,” the military said in a statement.
“Their purpose is to quickly identify objects that do not respond to air traffic services calls, are operating without the required flight plan, or are violating applicable regulations.” The command added that there was no violation of Polish airspace.
The Polish Armed Forces Command said the mission had been launched to “help reduce the risk of incidents” and ensure safety.
“Thanks to the interception procedure, it is possible to immediately determine the nature of the flight, assess the potential threat, and, if necessary, take corrective action, such as changing course or directing the aircraft to land. These actions help reduce the risk of incidents and ensure the safety of both civilian traffic and critical infrastructure,” the Command statement read.
The news comes as UK defence secretary John Healey said there has been “increased Russian activity in the Atlantic, north of the UK”.
In a statement from Downing Street the defence secretary said the UK and allies had been monitoring a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines in the North Atlantic.
A Russian Akula-class attack submarine and two specialist submarines from Russia’s main directorate for deep sea research (GUGI) have been detected in the Atlantic ocean, he said. The submersibles were “designed to survey underwater infrastructure during peacetime and sabotage it in conflict,” he told reporters.
The Russian subs were monitored for a month before they retreated Mr Healey revealed. “A Royal Navy warship and Royal Air Force P-8a aircraft, alongside allies, ensured that the Russian submarines were monitored 24/7. The Akula submarine subsequently retreated home, having been closely tracked throughout, and we continue to monitor the two GUGI submarines in and around wider UK waters,” he said.
