Dutch F-35 Fighter Jets Intercept 3 Russian Planes In The Baltic Sea

JAKARTA - The Dutch F-35 fighter jet intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea. Dutch jets escorted them remotely across international waters to the border of NATO's responsibility region.

Since December, the Dutch F-35 has been patrolling the eastern NATO border. As part of this effort, a quick reaction warning (QRA) was activated, deploying two F-35s from Estonia to intercept unidentified aircraft approaching NATO airspace.

"This is why our people are there: to protect our collective airspace from Russian threats," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Monday, December 9.

"As once again proven on Friday, Russian troops are active in various ways near NATO airspace," he added.