Polish F-16s intercept Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea

Published Jul 31, 02:30 PM UTC

On July 31, 2026, a Polish Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) pair of F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 electronic reconnaissance aircraft approximately 40 kilometers north of Kołobrzeg over the Baltic Sea. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the interception, stating the Russian aircraft was flying in international airspace without a flight plan and with its transponder turned off. No violation of Polish airspace occurred. The Il-20 is one of the most frequently intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft in the region. This incident follows other recent interceptions in July, including Russian Su-30SM2 fighters from Kaliningrad and another Il-20M on July 14. The report underscores ongoing NATO-Russia aerial tensions in the Baltic region.