Overview
- The intercept took place Friday over the Baltic Sea and was disclosed Monday by Poland's Operational Command.
- The Il-20 was flying without a filed flight plan with its transponder turned off, triggering a visual identification and escort.
- Polish officials said the aircraft stayed in international airspace and did not violate Poland's sovereign airspace.
- Authorities described the operation as quick, professional and safe, crediting high readiness of on-duty forces.
- Poland counted this as the ninth such Russian reconnaissance mission in the region this year, and Russia has not commented.