Polish F-16s intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea twice in recent days

Polish F-16 fighters intercepted and escorted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft twice, on 3 and 6 May, flying over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea without violating Polish airspace.

This was reported on the social network X Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

According to the command, on 6 May, another pair of MiG-29s from the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork intercepted and visually identified a Russian aircraft.

"The fighter jets intercepted an Il-20 aircraft that took off from an airfield in the Kaliningrad region and continued flying in international space over the Baltic Sea, performing a reconnaissance mission without entering Polish airspace," the Polish Operational Command said.

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As noted, the same Russian plane was also intercepted on 3 May by another pair of Polish F-16s from the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny.

As you know, Poland regularly deploys F-16s whenever Russia launches missile attacks on Ukrainian territory.