Two Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted three Russian military aircraft approaching Polish airspace last Sunday, the Dutch Defense Ministry has reported.
According to the Defense portfolio, the Dutch Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) was activated in Poland after detecting that three aircraft were approaching Polish airspace without identifying themselves, which is why two Dutch fighters immediately went to intercept them.
After identifying a Russian IL-20M Coot-A accompanied by two SU-27 Flankers, the Dutch fighters gave way to Polish fighter jets which continued the interception. The Russian fighters were heading for Kaliningrad.
NATO fighter jets are in Poland for surveillance of NATO airspace over Eastern Europe, an intensified security following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.