Polish F-16s Intercept Russian Reconnaissance Aircraft Over the Baltic
The incident occurred on Monday, and Poland's defense minister says airspace was not violated. Meanwhile, Russia protests the removal of a Soviet monument.
The incident occurred on Monday, and Poland's defense minister says airspace was not violated. Meanwhile, Russia protests the removal of a Soviet monument.
Polish F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Monday, August 3, 2026. The Russian aircraft was in international airspace but was flying without a flight plan and with its transponder turned off.
The incident was confirmed by Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on social media platform X. "Our pair of aircraft on duty intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane," the minister wrote. The interception took place in the late morning, approximately 60 kilometers northwest of the town of Łeba.
The minister emphasized that Polish airspace was not violated. "The Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland continuously monitor security in the area and take all necessary measures to protect the Polish border," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.
According to Polish broadcaster TVP World, this is already the second such case in a short period. Just three days earlier, around July 31, Polish F-16s also intercepted a Russian Il-20. That incident occurred 40 kilometers north of the coastal city of Kołobrzeg.
There has been no official reaction from Russia yet regarding the latest interception over the Baltic.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions between the two countries have further escalated. The Russian Embassy in Poland filed a protest on August 4, 2026, over the removal of a monument to Soviet soldiers in the town of Pyrzyce. They described the move as a "sacrilegious act" that violates the agreement between the two countries.
