Portuguese F-16 fighter jets intercept a Russian IL-76 military aircraft off the coast of Estonia

On Sunday, 2 April, Portuguese F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters were alerted to intercept an unknown aircraft. It turned out to be a Russian IL-76.

Here's What We Know

The Russian Aerospace Force aircraft was flying with its transponders turned off. The pilot did not provide a flight plan and did not communicate with air traffic controllers. The IL-76 was heading from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad region via international waters.

When the IL-76 approached the Estonian coast over the Baltic Sea, NATO sent two Portuguese F-16 fighter jets to confirm the identity of the unknown aircraft. After successful identification, they escorted them back to the NATO military base in the Lithuanian city of Siauliai.

Portugal leads the North Atlantic Alliance's mission to protect Baltic airspace. Four F-16 fighters arrived early last week and joined the F-16 jets of the Romanian Air Force.

Source: The Portugal News