Germany scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane flying over international waters in the Baltic Sea between Germany's island of Rügen and Denmark's Bornholm, according to a statement from the German Air Force.
The German Air Force responded after the Russian aircraft was detected without a flight plan or radio communication, launching two Eurofighters from Rostock-Laage airfield to make visual contact.
Increased Russian Espionage
The Russian Il-20, frequently used for radio reconnaissance, has been regularly spotted gathering intelligence on NATO countries, according to the German portal Aero.
Over the past two years, Russian spy planes are intercepted by German jets about every three to four weeks.
This latest incident adds to the growing list of Russian activities near sensitive European sites.
This latest incident follows a series of Russian drone flights over sensitive areas in Germany. In August 2024, drones were spotted flying over a shut-down nuclear power plant in Schleswig-Holstein, raising concerns as they also flew near LNG terminals and chemical plants.
There have also been reports of sabotage attempts.
In August, two military bases in Germany were temporarily closed after fears that unknown individuals had gained access and possibly poisoned the water supply at one base. In another case, authorities were concerned about possible sabotage at the Geilenkirchen base.
Russian Sabotage Across Europe
Russia has been linked to several acts of sabotage across Europe.
In Sweden, Russian agents were investigated for railway sabotage, while in the Czech Republic, they attempted to disable railway systems. In the UK, two men were charged with setting fire to a warehouse storing weapons for Ukraine.
According to EU intelligence reports, Russia is ramping up its sabotage activities, preparing explosions and arson across Europe.
