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ConflictFrench Rafale jets intercept two Russian Su-30 fighters over Baltic Sea
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The French Ministry of Defense released an operational update covering the period from June 25 to July 2, 2026, focusing on NATO's Eastern Flank. In Estonia, a French light infantry company (LIC) completed a four-month deployment aimed at strengthening Franco-Estonian cooperation. The unit conducted over 40 partnership actions with the Estonian Defense League, training nearly 3,000 Estonian personnel and volunteers, enhancing interoperability. In Lithuania, French Rafale aircraft continue NATO air policing duties. On June 27, two Rafales from Šiauliai Air Base scrambled to intercept two Russian Su-30 fighters operating near Baltic airspace without a flight plan or radio contact. The intercept allowed for identification of the aircraft and ensured the sovereignty of allied airspace.
Source report
Category: Operations
EUROPE
Operational Update in the European Zone
Eastern Flank of the Alliance: Permanent Operational Posture
Estonia
The light infantry company (LIC) completed its mandate after a four-month deployment focused on strengthening Franco-Estonian cooperation. During this mission, it conducted over forty partnership actions with the Estonian Defense League, contributing to the training and instruction of local units as well as the sharing of specialized expertise. Nearly 3,000 Estonian military personnel and volunteers benefited from these activities, enhancing interoperability between French and Estonian forces.
Lithuania
RAFALE aircraft of the French Air and Space Force continue their participation in the NATO air policing mission. On June 27, two aircraft deployed at Šiauliai Air Base took off on alert to intercept two Russian Su-30 fighters operating near the airspace of the Baltic states, without a filed flight plan or radio contact. This intervention made it possible to identify the aircraft and guarantee sovereignty over this allied airspace.
Source
Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattantsWestern
Part of this Story
French Forces Intercept Russian Jets, Train in NATO Eastern Flank Operations