Is Russia Testing NATO with Aerial Incursions in Europe?

Sele Media Africa Reported by Mafeng Gyang Adams

Is Russia Testing NATO with Aerial Incursions in Europe?

Brussels, Belgium — September 25, 2025 Rising tensions between Russia and the West have again been thrust into the spotlight following a series of aerial incursions by Russian military aircraft near the airspace of NATO member states in recent weeks. According to NATO’s Allied Air Command, Russian fighter jets and surveillance planes have been *intercepted multiple times this month alone near Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the North Sea — raising concerns that Moscow may be deliberately testing NATO’s response readiness. September 2025: British and Norwegian jets scrambled to intercept Tu-142 and MiG-31 aircraft flying close to NATO airspace without flight plans or transponders. Baltic Region: NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission has reported increased frequency of Russian flybys near Estonian and Lithuanian borders. North Sea: Dutch and Belgian F-35s have conducted at least two intercept missions this month alone. Experts say these actions are not accidental. According to Defence analyst Fabrice Pothier, Russia may be using aerial activity to:

– Probe NATO’s air defence readiness

– Gauge alliance reaction times

– Demonstrate military reach amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and NATO’s increased support for Kyiv. “This is classic Russian grey-zone behaviour not war, not peace, but deliberate provocation,” Pothier told Politico Europe. NATO spokesperson Dylan White said: “Our air forces remain vigilant and ready to respond to any violation of allied airspace. We’ve seen a pattern of unsafe and unprofessional behaviour by Russian aircraft.”NATO has ramped up joint air patrols, especially over Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea, with reinforcements from Germany, the UK, and the U.S. Russia’s Stance. The Kremlin denies any wrongdoing, claiming its flights are routine and within international airspace. Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov accused NATO of “unjustified militarisation” near its borders. As tensions persist, the spike in Russian air activity appears to be more than routine maneuvers. While no NATO airspace has been breached, analysts warn that the increased risk of miscalculation or accidental conflict remains dangerously high.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments across Europe’s skies.

(Source: NATO.int, BBC New, Politico.eu)

About The Author

Mafeng Gyang Adams

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Mafeng Gyang Adams is a dedicated journalist and editorial strategist, serving as the News Editor at Sele Media Africa. With a sharp eye for headlines that matter and a passion for truth-driven storytelling, Mafeng leads the newsroom with clarity and purpose. He ensures that every report meets the highest editorial standards, delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news to audiences across Africa and beyond.

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