NATO scrambles 500 times against Russian jets in one year

NATO air forces executed more than 500 scrambles in response to potential air threats in 2025, Allied Air Command has confirmed, as the Alliance continues to reinforce its air policing posture along the eastern flank and in the High North around the clock.

The figures were published by Allied Air Command at Ramstein.

Air Policing forms a fundamental component of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence framework, enabling rapid identification and response to potential air threats approaching or operating near NATO airspace, with Allied fighter detachments at key strategic locations maintaining a continuous alert posture ready to launch within minutes.

Along the eastern flank, Allied fighter detachments are deployed across Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, providing continuous coverage under the Eastern Sentry operating model. A specific incident on 22 January 2026 illustrated the value of the enhanced interoperability now available, when allied fighters scrambled nationally alongside jets scrambled by Combined Air Operation Centre Uedem under NATO authority in response to a threat from Russian aircraft close to NATO airspace, with Allied Air Command describing the collaboration in a news release at the time as highlighting the integration of Finnish and Swedish National Air Operation Centres with NATO’s Combined Air Operation Centres.

In the High North, fighter aircraft from NATO air forces provide Quick Reaction Alert capabilities from Keflavík Air Base in Iceland as part of the Alliance’s Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities programme, ensuring persistent air surveillance and interception capability in the Arctic region. Allied Air Command confirmed that 2026 marked the first time the Swedish Air Force will lead NATO air policing in Iceland, with the country describing it as a demonstration of Sweden’s commitment to NATO and its contribution to collective defence in the High North.

The figures come from the Alliance as NATO continues to deepen the integration of its two newest members, with Finnish and Swedish national air assets now operating alongside Alliance structures in a way that was not possible before their accession.