On August 28, 2025, NATO Air Command reported that two Italian F-35 fighters from Ämari Air Base in Estonia intercepted a Russian An-124 “Ruslan” strategic airlifter approaching the Baltic region. The mission is part of NATO’s long-standing Air Policing operation to secure the Alliance’s eastern flank against unauthorized or destabilizing flights.
The An-124, a Soviet-era heavy transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 120 tons, was operating near Kaliningrad, underscoring Russia’s strategic airlift capability and the region’s military importance. The F-35s, with advanced sensors, stealth features, and NATO network integration, ensured rapid identification and escort. The interception served not only as a tactical response but also as a demonstration of deterrence and signaling between NATO and Russia.
Given the limited number of An-124s and the strategic assets in Kaliningrad, such flights carry both logistical and psychological significance. NATO’s deployment of F-35s highlights the Alliance’s commitment to monitoring strategic air movements and protecting its eastern borders.
