Polish F-16s intercept Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea, 40 km north of Kołobrzeg

The interception

A pair of Polish F-16 fighter jets on standby duty intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft on the morning of 31 July 2026. The interception occurred approximately 40 kilometres north of Kołobrzeg, over international waters of the Baltic Sea. Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced the operation on social media platform X.

Another successful interception of a Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea! This morning, a duty pair of our F-16s intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft 40 kilometres north of Kołobrzeg.

The Russian aircraft was flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off, making remote identification impossible and complicating the work of air traffic control agencies. Despite operating in international airspace, the aircraft did not violate Polish sovereign airspace at any point.

Once again, the machine was flying in international airspace without a flight plan and with the transponder switched off.

Pattern of provocations

This is the latest in a long series of similar incidents over the Baltic. Russian reconnaissance aircraft, and more recently combat jets, routinely fly near Polish and NATO borders without active transponders and without submitting flight plans. In mid-July 2026, Polish fighters intercepted Russian aircraft on three consecutive days near Ustka and Jastrzębia Góra; those incidents involved both Il-20 reconnaissance planes and Su-30 fighter jets operating from the Kaliningrad exclave. Such flights have become a standard Russian practice since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, occurring with irregular frequency throughout the Baltic region.

Standard procedure

Intercepting an unidentified aircraft in the vicinity of Polish borders is a routine procedure when radio contact cannot be established. The primary objective is identification: fighter pilots use optoelectronic systems and visual contact to determine the aircraft’s type, registration, and intentions. When necessary, they may attempt to establish radio communication and escort the intruder out of Poland's area of responsibility. Pilots can also perform a range of manoeuvres, including closing distance to the foreign aircraft, displaying their own weaponry, or releasing flares, all intended to signal the need to change course.

Official response

Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the readiness of the Polish armed forces and their close coordination with NATO partners.

The Polish Armed Forces continuously monitor the situation and decisively respond to the actions of the Russian Federation, remaining in close cooperation with NATO allies. The security of Polish skies remains our highest priority.

No damage, injuries, or diplomatic protests were reported in connection with the 31 July interception.