Russian Spy Plane Sparks Polish Jet Scramble on Christmas Day
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Poland launched fighter jets on Christmas morning after detecting a Russian military aircraft near its airspace.
The incident occurred over the Baltic Sea. Polish and allied radar systems identified the aircraft as a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane. Reconnaissance aircraft are used for gathering intelligence.
The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed the alert. NATO’s air policing mission was also activated.
The Russian aircraft did not enter Polish airspace. The Polish jets returned to base after the situation was monitored.
Tensions remain high in the region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO routinely monitors its eastern flank.