Poland scrambles jets as Russian Il-20 approaches Baltic coast

Poland scrambled fighter jets on September 22 after a Russian Il-20 aircraft was detected over neutral waters in the Baltic Sea, approximately 40 kilometers from the Polish coast, according to Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The Polish jets intercepted the Russian plane and continued monitoring the air situation. The minister stated the army maintains full readiness and that airspace control is ongoing, emphasizing the aircraft did not cross into Polish territory. A similar incident occurred on September 1, when Polish fighters escorted a Russian Il-20 about 30 kilometers north of Łeba. The Polish side also confirmed that the aircraft did not violate the country's airspace in that case.