NATO Intercepts Russian Spy Plane Again: Transponder Off
This week marks the third instance of a Russian aircraft being intercepted by NATO allies while approaching sovereign airspace with its transponder deactivated. The intercepted Russian reconnaissance plane was escorted by Polish MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea after failing to submit a flight plan. While the aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, this incident, along with previous airspace violations, has raised concerns, prompting NATO members to invoke Article Four. NATO emphasizes that Russian aircraft regularly operate near its airspace, although usually with flight plans and communication, and the Polish forces handled the situation according to established procedures.
John Q. Hosedrinker