Swedish, Finnish fighter jets intercept Russian military aircraft - Reuters

Finnish and Swedish air forces scrambled fighter jets on Friday after detecting a group of Russian military aircraft in international airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The aircraft were identified as a “detachment” of Russian planes operating in the area.

The two Nordic countries coordinated the response, dispatching fighter jets to intercept and identify the Russian aircraft. The operation was conducted in accordance with standard procedures for monitoring airspace activity.

This interception represents the first joint operation of its kind between Finland and Sweden since both nations became members of NATO. Defence officials from the two countries highlighted the significance of the coordinated effort.

The fighter jets were tasked with confirming the identity of the Russian aircraft and ensuring they remained within international airspace. Both ministries reported that the aircraft complied with the interception protocol.

No incidents or violations were reported following the interception, and the situation was described as a routine exercise in airspace monitoring.