German and Swedish fighter jets intercepted a Russian IL-20M reconnaissance plane that entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea on Sunday, after it flew without a flight plan or radio contact.

NATO ordered Germany’s quick reaction force to respond before handing the escort over to Swedish jets.

The incident follows a series of recent Russian airspace violations, including three Russian MiG-31s entering Estonia on Friday and multiple drone incursions into Poland earlier this month.

Both Poland and Estonia have invoked NATO’s Article 4, warning of escalating threats from Russia, NPR has reported.

Western leaders, including President Trump, have expressed concern that the provocations risk drawing NATO closer to open conflict.