Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday, escorting them across international waters near the borders of NATO‘s area of responsibility, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced on Monday.

Since December, Dutch F-35s have been patrolling NATO’s eastern borders. As part of this mission, the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) protocol is activated, deploying two F-35s from Estonia to intercept any unidentified aircraft approaching NATO airspace.

“We are proud that our air force is ready to safeguard NATO’s shared airspace,” Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans posted on X.

Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft from Estonia over the Baltic Sea.

Russian surveillance and spy planes were driven away.

Proud that our Air Force stands ready to protect our joint NATO air space!https://t.co/tLIPlgisON pic.twitter.com/UGtQm5F2vo

— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) December 9, 2024