The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said in a post on the X social media platform that a pair of Polish F-16 jets "intercepted and visually identified" the Russian Il-20 aircraft as it was flying over the Baltic Sea on Monday.
According to the Operational Command, the Russian plane was "performing a reconnaissance mission in international airspace, without violating Polish territorial waters."
The post said on Tuesday that "airspace security is one of the priorities of the Polish Armed Forces."
It added that Polish air force pilots "stay vigilant and are ready to ensure the protection of Polish skies" on a daily basis.
"With the entire air defence system functioning smoothly, we can be sure that we are protected against airborne threats," the Polish Operational Command also said, amid Russia's ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine.
NATO says its air forces across Europe were "scrambled well over 300 times" last year "to intercept Russian military aircraft approaching Alliance airspace, with most intercepts occurring over the Baltic Sea."
The incidents come as Russia’s war against Ukraine has created the most dangerous security situation in Europe in decades, according to NATO officials.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday is day 903 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: PAP/PAP
