NATO fighter jets had to intervene and intercept more than 290 Russian warplanes by 2021, according to a statement.
According to official figures, 290 of the approximately 370 missions in total were made in 2021 in response to the activities of Russian aircraft.
Most of the interceptions in 2021 took place in the Baltic region, where NATO is conducting a police air mission to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
“Generally, the interceptions took place without incident as NATO planes took off to identify the approaching aircraft and escort it out of the area. Very few intercepted flights entered Allied airspace,” NATO said in a statement.
NATO interception flights are described as a “routine phenomenon”.
US intelligence has warned of a possible Russian military strike on Ukraine over the development of Russian forces near its neighbor’s border in recent months.
In 2020, NATO aircraft flew about 350 times in response to Russian aircraft.
Across Europe, more than 60 NATO aircraft are on alert at any time, ready to respond to unannounced military flights as well as civilian aircraft losing contact with air traffic controllers, for example in the event of hijacking or technical problems. .
“NATO fighter jets are on duty around the clock, ready to take off in the event of unverified flights near our ally’s airspace,” said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu. “NATO is on alert and we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all allies.”
The US-led alliance of 30 countries has two airline hubs – one in Germany, which covers northern Europe, and one in Spain, which covers the south.
DW
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