French jets conduct multiple intercepts of Russian aircraft over the Baltic states

Last week, French Rafale fighter jets stationed in Lithuania performed 11 emergency sorties as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. The mission aims to secure the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which have limited independent air defense capabilities. French military spokesman Guillaume Vernet reported that the intercepted Russian aircraft were flying without flight plans or radio communication. The aircraft identified included armed fighters, intelligence-gathering planes, and transport aircraft. Vernet noted that the frequency of these incidents was unusually high and suggested that Moscow may have been attempting a show of force coinciding with the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. While French officials described the activity as provocative, the interceptions serve as a routine operational response for NATO forces protecting the alliance's northern borders. These events follow recent reports of drone activity in the region, heightening concerns regarding regional security.