Overview
- Two Polish MiG‑29s identified and escorted the Russian reconnaissance plane on Friday morning, according to the Armed Forces High Command.
- The Polish military said national airspace was not violated during the operation.
- Officials reported the Il‑20 was flying without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off, describing it as a risk to regional air traffic.
- The interception was the third this week, following similar encounters on Tuesday and Thursday near Poland’s Baltic coast.
- Germany’s Air Force noted that such interceptions typically involve maintaining visual contact and signaling rather than hazardous maneuvers.