NATO Air Forces Scrambled Over 300 Times in 2023 due to Russian Military Aircraft

Defense News ,Europe :- In a recent announcement on Friday, NATO revealed that its air forces were activated over 300 times in response to Russian military aircraft during the year 2023. The organization emphasized that the majority of aerial encounters between NATO and Russian jets were conducted safely and professionally, with breaches of NATO airspace by Russian military planes remaining rare and of short duration. Notably, most intercepts took place over the Baltic Sea.

In the wake of Russia invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year, NATO took significant measures to bolster its eastern flank air defenses. This included deploying additional fighter jets, conducting surveillance flights, and fortifying ground-based air defenses.

NATO spokesperson Dylan White emphasized the organization commitment to vigilance, stating, "NATO fighter jets are on duty around the clock, ready to scramble in case of suspicious or unannounced flights near the airspace of our Allies."

The intensified response comes as a precautionary measure following heightened tensions in the region. The increased number of scrambles signifies NATO dedication to safeguarding its members against potential threats.

However, despite these measures, NATO stresses that the encounters have generally been peaceful, with a focus on maintaining the safety and security of the airspace. Most notably, the organization remains vigilant over the Baltic Sea, where the majority of intercepts occurred.

In a stark contrast to the ongoing aerial incidents, the gravity of the situation was underscored earlier on Friday when Russia launched one of its most significant missile attacks on Ukraine during the conflict. The assault resulted in the tragic loss of 12 civilians, numerous injuries, and damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, as well as the southern and western regions of the country. This escalation adds a concerning dimension to the geopolitical landscape, heightening the importance of NATO ongoing efforts to ensure regional security.