Overview
- Poland’s Operational Command confirmed two MiG-29s intercepted and escorted the Il-20 on Friday over the Baltic Sea.
- Officials said the quick reaction alert mission was executed quickly, professionally, and safely due to high readiness and pilot experience.
- Authorities reported the Il-20 operated without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off, complicating civilian air traffic awareness.
- Poland stated the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter Polish territory.
- The flight was described as the ninth such reconnaissance mission this year, aligning with recent Norwegian F-35 shadowing of Il-20s; Russia has not commented.