A Russian Su-30 fighter jet entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland on March 18, 2026, and remained there for about one minute. The aircraft had no flight plan and maintained no two-way radio contact with Estonian air traffic services, according to the Estonian Ministry of Defense.
An Italian Air Force unit at Ämari Air Base, deployed for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, responded with an identification flight. The current rotation, from August 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, involves F-35s and Eurofighter Typhoons.
On March 19, Estonia summoned the Russian Embassy’s chargé d’affaires to deliver a diplomatic protest note. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated the incident posed no threat to Estonia’s security and that NATO’s mission functioned according to procedures.
This marked the first Russian airspace violation in Estonia for 2026. Vaindloo has seen prior incidents, including a September 7, 2025, breach by a Mi-8 helicopter and a September 19 incursion by three MiG-31 fighters, which Estonia called a serious provocation.