Polish fighters intercepted Russian Il-20 over the Baltic

Polish fighters on August 31 intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft Il-20 that approached the coast of Poland. The incident occurred in the first half of the day over the Baltic Sea.

This was reported by Polish Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

According to him, the Russian aircraft was approximately 30 km north of the Polish city of Łeba. Polish military aircraft took off and intercepted the Il-20.

However, no violation of Polish airspace occurred. The Russian aircraft remained over international waters of the Baltic Sea.

"Russia once again tested our deterrence and air defense systems", — Kosiniak-Kamysz said, commenting on the actions of Russian aviation.

This is not the first such incident in recent weeks. In early August, Polish fighters intercepted Russian Il-20 aircraft over the Baltic Sea two days in a row. Such aircraft are used for electronic and signals intelligence.

Interception of military aircraft over international waters is a standard procedure when an aircraft approaches the area of responsibility of a NATO country and requires identification. Fighters can visually identify the aircraft and escort it until it leaves the controlled area.