NATO has increased its airstrikes to intercept Russian aircraft by 250%

In July 2026, NATO fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft near the Alliance's borders 250% more often than in the same month last year.

This was reported by the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum.

The absolute number of sorties was not given in the report. NATO noted that the increase in Russian military aircraft activity requires heightened readiness of air defense forces on the eastern flank.

Alliance fighters are launched to detect, visually identify, and escort unknown or potentially dangerous air targets. Such sorties are also carried out when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without a transmitted transponder signal, an approved flight plan, or communication with civilian controllers.

The mere fact of an interception does not necessarily mean a violation of state borders. In many cases, Russian military aircraft remain in international airspace, and NATO fighters escort them until they leave the monitored area.

NATO air patrols operate around the clock. Since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the Alliance has reinforced the eastern flank with additional fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, and ground-based air defense systems.