Estonia warns: Moscow escalating air incidents and cyberattacks — Defense One

NATO scrambled fighter jets after three Russian MiG-31 aircraft with transponders switched off violated Estonian airspace. Italian and Finnish jets intercepted the intruders and escorted them back toward Kaliningrad. The incident highlighted growing concerns within the Alliance as Moscow has increased such provocations in recent months.

Source Defense One

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said the incursions do not indicate an imminent invasion but are part of Russia’s broader strategy, which also includes cyberattacks and information warfare. NATO continues to expand its radar network and bolster its military presence in the Baltics.

In response, Estonia plans to raise its defense budget to 5.9% of GDP while maintaining financial aid to Ukraine. NATO leaders stress their strategy is to remain calm, avoid escalation, and at the same time show firm readiness to defend the alliance’s eastern flank.