Pilots intervene five times against Russian aircraft in Baltics

Czech JAS-39 Gripen pilots had to identify non-communicating aircraft and intervene five times, always against Russian military aircraft, in the first month of their air policing mission over the Baltics, the General Staff said today. "Each flight has confirmed our interest in the security of Estonia and the whole of the Baltics," Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar said. Based on a parliament resolution, five Gripens and 70 soldiers were sent to Estonia. Czechs started their mission on September 1, 2019. It will last until December 31, 2019, when they will be replaced by another NATO member.