Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft over the Baltic Sea, 30 km north of Łeba. The aircraft did not enter Polish airspace.

Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft Il-20 on Monday, which was flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, about 30 kilometers north of the town of Łeba.

The Polish Minister of Defense, Włodzimierz Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that the aircraft did not violate national airspace, emphasizing that Russia is testing Poland's air defense systems. Monday's incident adds to a series of recent interceptions of Russian military aircraft, including another Il-20 intercepted on August 3, which was flying without a transponder and without a flight plan.

Polish authorities have reported an increase in Russian activities in the Baltic Sea area, where reconnaissance aircraft frequently operate, complicating air traffic management. The Baltic Sea has become a strategic area for NATO, and Poland keeps its air forces on alert to respond to these challenges. Although the intercepted Russian aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, the incidents contribute to rising military tensions in the region.