Polish MiG-29 fighters intercepted the Russian reconnaissance aircraft Ił-20 on 28 October at the Baltic Sea. The device flew into global airspace without a complex flight plan. The incidental was reported this morning by the Armed Forces Operations Command. As stressed, Tuesday's action was carried out "fast, effective and safe".
On Tuesday afternoon, an on-call pair of MiG-29 fighters from 22 Tactical Aviation Bases in Malbork She's been picked up. The mark was the Russian reconnaissance aircraft Il-20. Operations Command of Armed Forces Types reported that Polish machines carried out "effective interception, visual recognition and escorting from the area of responsibility" of the Russian aircraft.
Il-20 operated over the Baltic Sea in global airspace, but without a complex flight plan and with the transponder off. specified configuration: the deficiency of recognition and unpredictability of the trajectory constitutes a possible threat to civilian air traffic and requires immediate response.
Although the device did not breach the Polish airspace, its presence in the NATO area of work without informing and without consistent signals procedures was treated as an incidental requiring intervention.
DORSZ stressed that Tuesday's action was carried out "fast, efficient and safe". It's not only due to the pilots, but besides due to the efficient command system, radar reconnaissance and coordination with allies.
In the military context, "capture" is not just a physical approach to a abroad aircraft. This is an operational procedure aimed at identifying the ship, assessing intentions and, if necessary, forcing it to change course or leave the work zone.
In practice, this means picking up on-call pairs, making visual and radio contact, and escorting the device to the boundaries of the region or aerodrome, as appropriate.
The interception is not only a reaction to the breach of airspace, but besides a political signal. It's a show of strength, determination and readiness. In this sense, Tuesday's action fits into a broader context of tensions in the region, especially in the light of the increased activity of Russian reconnaissance units and drones in the Baltic region.
It is worth noting that akin incidents have occurred before, but their severity occurred after 2022, that is, after the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine. Since then NATO aircraft have repeatedly intercepted Russian machines The North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Russian Il-20 is an aircraft designed to conduct radio-electronic recognition. It is equipped with listening systems, can collect data about radar operation, radio communication and another electromagnetic signals.
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