NATO ready to shoot down Russian jets if needed

During a meeting with journalists, Mark Rutte referred to Friday’s incursion of three armed MiG-31 fighter jets into Estonian airspace. According to the Dutch politician, in this particular case “there was no need” to shoot down the Russian aircraft. “That does not mean that, if necessary, we would not shoot down an aircraft immediately. We first assess the situation. But if necessary, we will do what is required,” he added.

Rutte: NATO Is acting as it should

When asked whether NATO would shoot down every Russian aircraft or drone violating the airspace of member states, Rutte stated that decisions on whether to engage foreign aircraft “are made in real time and are always based on available intelligence regarding the threat posed.”

He also spoke about existing procedures and new initiatives aimed at strengthening the North Atlantic Alliance. Among them, he mentioned the Eastern Sentry mission, launched on September 12. In the context of Russian aircraft entering Polish and Estonian airspace, Rutte emphasized that NATO’s air defense responded “exactly as it should.”

“We will defend every inch of allied territory (…) We will ensure that we can always defend ourselves and deter when necessary. We are a defensive alliance, but we are not naïve. We see what is happening and whether it is intentional or not. If it is not, then it is sheer incompetence,” the politician concluded, referring to Russian actions.

Tuesday’s North Atlantic Council

The press conference followed the second urgent consultation of the North Atlantic Council this month, triggered by the invocation of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. This time, the meeting was initiated by Estonia, whose airspace had been violated by armed Russian fighter jets. In recent weeks, Russian aircraft and drones have also entered the airspace of Poland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Romania, and Denmark.

“Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory in nature, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop,” read a special communiqué published on the NATO website.

“Russia should have no doubt: NATO and its members will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend and deter against threats from any direction. We will continue to respond in the manner, time, and domain of our choosing. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad,” the statement continued, also reaffirming NATO’s pledge to further support Ukraine.