Italy Scrambles Eurofighter Typhoons Over Baltic Airspace

Italy launched Eurofighter Typhoons to intercept unidentified aircraft in Baltic airspace. The interception was ordered by NATO from a German base. Details on the intercepted aircraft are unknown. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, all NATO members, have been critical of Russia's recent activities since the Ukraine invasion.

Italy scrambled Eurofighter Typhoons to intercept unidentified aircraft flying in Baltic airspace, the Italian Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday. The fighters were launched from the Siauliai base in northern Lithuania following orders from a NATO surveillance center in Germany.

No further information was provided regarding the identity of the intercepted aircraft. The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which are NATO members, have been vocal critics of Russia, especially following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Italy assumed responsibility for the NATO Baltic mission at the beginning of August. (Reporting by Keith Weir; Editing by Gareth Jones)