NATO fighter jets scrambled as 'heavily armed' Russian aircraft approach borders

NATO fighter jets scrambled as 'heavily armed' Russian aircraft approach bordersAuthorities have scrambled four Rafale B fighters as part of an 'enhanced Air Policing Mission' over the Baltic Sea with six Russian planes escorted awayCommentsNewsChristopher Mallett20:07, 17 Apr 2026View ImageFrench Rafale B fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft(Image: TOMS KALNINS/EPA/Shutterstock)French fighter jets have been scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft that approached NATO airspace while thought to have been heavily armed.‌Six Russian aircraft were spotted operating near member nations Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia over the Baltic Sea. Authorities sent four Rafale B fighters as part of an "enhanced Air Policing Mission".‌The dramatic operations were carried out from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, the base where France is heading up NATO's air policing efforts.‌Footage released by the French military shows Rafale fighter jets tracking a Su-30SM fighter alongside a Russian Il-20M electronic intelligence aircraft. Analysts have suggested these aircraft may have been equipped with Kh-31P or Kh-31PM anti-radiation missiles.Article continues belowThis weaponry is typically used to engage radar and air defence systems. During these operations, the French Rafales reportedly used Thales Talios targeting pods.Although mainly designed for attack missions, these systems possess long-range visual identification capabilities. This allows would be pilots to safely assess potential threats remotely. These operations are part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, which aims to guarantee the integrity of Baltic airspace.