On March 26, 2024, Estonian authorities reported that Russian fighter jets violated its airspace. According to initial reports, the incursion lasted approximately 12 minutes and occurred near the Kääriku region in southeastern Estonia. The Estonian government instantly summoned the Russian ambassador to demand ⁣an clarification. ⁢ The incident involved at least one Russian military aircraft, though the exact type and number remain unconfirmed. Estonia has provided flight recordings to NATO allies as evidence of the violation.

In response to the airspace violation, Estonia requested consultation with NATO allies ⁣under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Article 4 does not obligate NATO members to take action, but it ⁣allows any ally to bring a matter of concern to the attention of the Council for discussion. This invocation signals estonia's seriousness regarding the ⁢incident and its desire for a unified response. The move is a procedural step, allowing for⁣ a collective assessment of the situation and⁣ potential implications.

Similar airspace violations, though less frequent,⁣ have occurred in the past. In⁤ 2022, estonian authorities reported a⁣ Russian aircraft briefly entering its airspace. These incidents often occur near the ⁣borders of NATO member states, particularly in the Baltic region. ⁣ However,⁢ the current geopolitical climate makes this incident ⁤particularly sensitive.