NATO on High Alert as Third Russian Spy Plane in 3 Days Caught Flying With Transponder Off

For the third time this week, NATO allies have intercepted a Russian aircraft flying near their airspace — again with its transponder turned off, raising fresh security concerns across Europe.

The alliance confirmed Friday that two Polish MiG fighters were dispatched early that morning to intercept a Russian reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft reportedly had no active transponder and no filed flight plan, according to Poland’s Operational Command.

While Polish officials stressed that the Russian plane did not enter their sovereign airspace, the encounter added to a growing list of similar provocations. “We thank the Air Force for their professionalism, vigilance, and exemplary execution of the mission,” the Polish Armed Forces said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Poland remains in full combat readiness and responds effectively to all provocative actions by the Russian Federation.”

Over the past two months, Lithuania and Estonia have each reported unauthorized Russian planes entering their airspace — claims Moscow has denied. Russia maintains that all its flights are routine training missions and insists no borders have been violated.

Still, the repeated incursions have led some NATO members to consider invoking Article Four, which calls for formal discussions when any member feels its territorial integrity or security is under threat.

According to NATO, Russian aircraft traveling to and from the Kaliningrad region frequently fly close to alliance airspace without active transponders. In this latest incident, the Polish jets followed standard NATO procedures to escort the Russian plane safely out of the area.

Newsweek has reached out to NATO and the U.S. State Department for comment.