Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft deployed to Ämari Air Base in Estonia were scrambled at around 11:30 today to intercept a Russian Beriev Be-200 aircraft flying from mainland Russia towards the Baltic Sea.
The interception was conducted by Aeronautica Militare jets operating as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission, which provides continuous protection of Alliance airspace, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank.
NATO Air Policing involves the rapid reaction of fighter aircraft to unidentified or non-compliant military aircraft approaching or operating near NATO airspace. Aircraft are scrambled to visually identify, monitor and, where necessary, escort such flights, without entering hostile airspace or engaging unless required.
The deployment of Italian Typhoons to Ämari forms part of NATO’s wider enhanced Vigilance Activities, including operations such as Eastern Sentry, aimed at reinforcing air defence and deterrence measures in response to increased Russian military aviation activity in the region.
According to NATO figures, more than 500 air policing scrambles were conducted across NATO airspace during 2025, reflecting sustained levels of activity along the Alliance’s borders.
NATO Air Policing missions are carried out on a rotational basis by Allied nations and operate 24 hours a day to maintain the security and integrity of NATO territory.
Flying boat = Cooool
It’s a shame the Russians kept building these and we stopped, flexible basing is much easier when you can land on water. There are ASW versions which would be interesting operating out of Norwegian fjords or Pacific atolls. Also like I said, cooool.