Dutch Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Military Aircraft

February 15, 2023

The Dutch military has announced that a pair of their F-35 fighter jets have intercepted a formation of Russian military planes that were flying close to Polish airspace.

The Netherlands defense ministry said that "the then-unknown aircraft approached the Polish NATO area of responsibility from Kaliningrad," adding.

After identification, it turned out to be three aircraft: a Russian IL-20M Coot-A that was escorted by two Su-27 Flankers. The Dutch F-35s escorted the formation from a distance and handed over the escort to NATO partners.

Poland, not wanting to cause any problems, had its defense ministry announce that the planes were over international waters and that "none of Poland's airspace has been interrupted."

"Dutch F-35s stationed at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork were scrambled on Monday in order to identify and intercept three Russian aircraft that were operating near Polish airspace," the Polish defense ministry continued.

This is obviously noteworthy because of the international conflict between Ukraine and Russia.