NATO aircraft scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft twice last week

The Lithuanian Defence Ministry has confirmed between August 17 - 23, NATO fighter-jets conducting air-policing from the country, were scrambled twice to intercept two Russian aircraft flying in international airspace above the Baltic States.

NATO fighters were scrambled last Monday to intercept an Ilyushin IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft, which had a pre-filed flight plan, but was not using its onboard transponder.

However, it was confirmed the aircraft maintained communication with air traffic control centres.

The other intercepted aircraft was an Ilyushin Il-18 transport aircraft, which also had its flight plan pre-filed. 

However, it was flying with its onboard transponder switched on, and it maintained radio communication with air traffic control centres.

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