NATO F-35s intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea last week as tensions between the West and Moscow reached a boiling point.
Based in Estonia, the Dutch planes were scrambled twice to meet Russian planes. The Dutch MoD said: “The quick reaction alert was activated twice.
“In the first flight, two aircraft were identified: a transport aircraft of the type AN-73/74 COALER and a SU-24MR Fencer E. This is a reconnaissance aircraft that collects electronic intelligence. In the afternoon, the QRA was activated again. This time, it turned out to be an IL-20 Coot A spy plane.”
The NATO planes then escorted the Russian aircraft over international waters to the edge of the alliance’s airspace.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence says that the F-35s have been monitoring NATO airspace on the eastern border of NATO territory since the beginning of this month.
The so-called quick reaction alert (QRA) is part of this assignment. As part of this, two F-35s take off within a few minutes to intercept another aircraft.
This can happen when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself.
A ministry spokesperson added: “The Dutch F-35s escorted the aircraft over international waters at a distance to the border of the NATO area of responsibility.”
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said: “This is why our people are there: to protect our collective airspace against Russian threats.
“As was once again evident on Friday, Russian forces are active in various ways near NATO airspace. Our allies in the Baltic states are pleased with our efforts.
“I am proud of our people who were able to immediately demonstrate their value to our security.”
Officials say a Dutch detachment has been deployed in Estonia since December 1 for the NATO Air Policing mission. Four F-35 fighter jets from Ämari Air Base are available to “monitor NATO airspace above Eastern Europe”.