AviationNews – (Video included) For the first time ever, Italian Air Force F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters have scrambled from Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to intercept Russian aircraft during a NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
The incident happened on August 13, 2025, when NATO radars detected two Russian Su-24 “Fencer” bombers and two Su-27 “Flanker” fighters flying near alliance airspace over the Baltic Sea. The Russian jets were operating without flight plans, transponders, or radio contact with civilian air traffic control—prompting a rapid response.
The Italian F-35s quickly launched, identified the aircraft, and escorted them away from NATO territory. This marked a major operational milestone for Italy’s fifth-generation fighters, demonstrating their readiness and the alliance’s ability to defend its airspace at a moment’s notice.
Baltic Air Policing – NATO’s 24/7 Watch
NATO’s air policing mission is a collective defensive task that keeps fighter jets on constant alert to react within minutes to any airspace intrusion. The system relies on an integrated network of radars, control centers, and operations hubs across Europe. For smaller member states without their own fighter fleets—like the Baltic nations, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Albania—this is their primary shield in the sky.
To maintain razor-sharp efficiency, NATO conducts regular multinational training events, such as the Ramstein Alloy series. These exercises bring together allied air forces alongside Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, ensuring smooth coordination and professional execution during real-world intercepts.
For Italy, the August 13 mission was more than a scramble—it was proof that its cutting-edge F-35s are now a fully integrated part of NATO’s frontline air defense in northeastern Europe.
