The Dutch armed forces intercepted three Russian military aircraft from Poland. The planes flew from Kaliningrad towards NATO territory without identifying themselves.
Two F-35s, which are usually stationed in Leeuwarden, were then sent into the air to identify and escort the unknown aircraft. The F-35s escorted the formation from a distance and handed over the escort to another NATO country.
According to the Defense Ministry, the F-35s did not fly over Russian territory. The Russian aircraft would consist of a spy plane and two modern fighter jets.
There are eight Dutch F-35s in Poland this month to monitor the airspace and to train there. It is the first time such an interception has been necessary since the armed forces have been in Poland.
