NATO Air Policing Activated Against Unidentified Reconnaissance Flight
On March 13, 2026, Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighters intercepted and escorted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea after it was detected flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off. The Il-20, conducting its ninth reconnaissance mission of 2026, did not violate Polish airspace but was escorted out of the area of responsibility. The incident highlights continued Russian military aviation activity near NATO airspace in the region. This was reported by AeroTime.