Overview

• Three MiG-31s entered Estonia near Vaindloo Island for about 12 minutes with transponders off, no flight plans, and no contact with air traffic control, officials said.
• Italian F-35s on NATO duty scrambled and pushed the jets out, with a NATO spokesperson calling the episode reckless and highlighting the alliance’s rapid response.
• Tallinn summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires and lodged a formal protest, labeling the violation the most brazen of several airspace breaches reported this year.
• Estonia requested NATO Article 4 consultations after Poland did so last week over a large Russian drone incursion, as Operation Eastern Sentry continues to reinforce the eastern flank.
• EU leaders ramped up political pressure with new sanctions and are advancing a €6 billion joint drone-production plan, as allies push for cheaper, scalable counter‑drone defenses.