Italian F-35s Intercept Russian Jets Over Estonia

Amari: Two Italian F-35s took off from Amari Air Base in Estonia Friday after NATO radar systems detected the presence of three Russian aircraft, for a ‘scramble’-the order to take off on alert.

According to Ansa News Agency, after the Italian F-35s, which took off in ‘QRA’ (quick reaction alert) mode, overflew the Russian aircraft, they then moved away.

The Italian detachment, composed of F-35s from the 13th Squadron of the 32nd Wing at Amendola and constantly on rapid alert, is deployed at Harjumaa in Estonia to ensure surveillance of Baltic airspace as part of NATO’s air policing activities on the eastern flank.

NATO called the violation of Estonian air space by the Russian jets “yet another example of Russia’s reckless behaviour and the Allies’ ability to respond.”