NewsWorld newsNatoPolish fighter jets intercepted the Russian aircraft, which was conducting a flight over the Baltic Sea 'without a flight plan and with its transponder turned off'17:18, 14 Jul 2026Updated 18:05, 14 Jul 2026NATO has been forced to scramble fighter jets after a Russian spy plane was spotted over the Baltic Sea with its "transponder turned off".‌Polish fighters intercepted the Russian Il-20 aircraft, conducting a flight over the Baltic Sea "without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off," the Polish armed forces said.‌The plane was carrying out a reconnaissance mission before it was successfully intercepted by the on-duty pair of Air Force fighters, visually identified, and escorted away, the armed forces added. The aircraft did not violate Polish airspace.‌In a statement, the armed forces said they "remain in constant readiness to respond to every threat and protect the sovereignty of Polish airspace".A spokesperson for the Polish Operational Command of the Armed Forces wrote on X: "Interceptions of this kind are a standard element of the airspace security system.‌"Their purpose is to identify and monitor objects that do not comply with international aviation procedures. These actions enable ongoing assessment of the situation and maintenance of safety in the airspace."Protecting Polish skies is not only a duty, but a daily mission of the soldiers of Wojsko Polskie, who with full commitment guard the security of our country and remain in constant readiness to respond to every threat and protect the sovereignty of Polish airspace."It comes just days after the UK intercepted two Russian planes over the Norwegian Sea.‌The two 'Bear F' maritime patrol planes "repeatedly approached" the HMS Princes of Wales aircraft carrier at low altitude and were "unnecessarily close", the Ministry of Defence [MoD] said last week.The MoD added that the Russian-flagged jets engaged in an "unsafe and unprofessional" manoeuvre during the aerial standoff on July 2.It said the planes had dropped multiple sonobuoys - devices that act as underwater microphones - near the HMS Prince of Wales before being intercepted and escorted away from the vessel.Article continues belowOn June 14, Royal Marines and National Crime Agency (NCA) officers boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.The six-hour operation saw the crew intercept and board the Smyrtos, which the MoD said would be held and monitored as investigations continue.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at the time: "This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsNatoRussia