On September 19, 2025, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered and overflew Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes. Estonian authorities described the incursion as unprecedentedly brutal. This followed drone incursions into Polish airspace around September 9-10, and NATO is actively investigating whether those were intentional. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned these repeated violations and emphasized the urgency of strengthening political and economic pressure on Russia. Estonia lacks its own combat aviation and depends on NATO allies for air defense. The incidents represent an escalation in military tensions extending beyond the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting Russia’s increasing assertiveness on NATO’s eastern border.

On September 19, 2025, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered and overflew Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes. Estonian authorities described the incursion as unprecedentedly brutal. This followed drone incursions into Polish airspace around September 9-10, and NATO is actively investigating whether those were intentional. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned these repeated violations and emphasized the urgency of strengthening political and economic pressure on Russia. Estonia lacks its own combat aviation and depends on NATO allies for air defense. The incidents represent an escalation in military tensions extending beyond the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting Russia’s increasing assertiveness on NATO’s eastern border.