French fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic states 11 times in one week

French military aircraft took to the skies at least 11 times last week as part of a NATO mission to patrol the airspace over the Baltic states in order to intercept Russian aircraft. 

This was stated by French Armed Forces spokesperson Guillaume Vernet on June 4, 2026. According to the French spokesperson, the number of such air incidents and “provocations” by the Russian Federation is significantly higher than usual. 

French Air Force aircraft, which are currently ensuring air security over Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, detected Russian aircraft flying without pre-approved flight plans and with their radio communications completely turned off. Among the identified and intercepted aircraft were armed fighters, as well as reconnaissance and transport planes.

Guillaume Vernet suggested that Moscow’s exceptionally high level of activity and show of force in the Baltic region may be clearly timed to coincide with the annual St.St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is taking place in Russia this very week. It should be noted that the NATO air patrol mission operates on a permanent basis to protect the sovereignty of allies that do not have their own tactical fighter jets.