Russian radar tracks NATO plane over Baltic Sea

A French military patrol aircraft was tracked by a Russian weapon radar while monitoring undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea on Wednesday. The French military described this act as "intimidation" from Moscow. They emphasized that their crews are trained to handle such situations professionally. This incident shows increased Russian military activity against NATO nations in the Baltic, a region heavily controlled by NATO. Russia operates its Baltic naval fleet from its Kaliningrad exclave, situated between Poland and Lithuania. NATO officials are concerned about hybrid attacks on vital undersea cables, which support internet and communication systems crucial for daily life. Earlier this year, NATO launched an initiative named Baltic Sentry aimed at protecting these undersea infrastructures. On Wednesday, the French military reported that their ATL2 aircraft was illuminated by a Russian fire control radar. This type of radar targets potential threats, enabling weapons systems to strike accurately. France’s Armed Forces Minister has previously condemned similar Russian actions as "aggressive." Recent months have seen several incidents of damaged undersea cables in the area, raising concerns about potential sabotage. High-ranking Kremlin officials have warned NATO against encroaching on what they consider Russian interests in the Baltic Region. Sweden and Finland recently joined NATO, which has heightened tensions. The French military believes these intimidatory tactics disrupt free navigation. NATO officials anticipate that such hybrid attacks will persist in the Baltic Sea, especially as some allies shift their focus and policy towards Russia. Enhancing protection for critical infrastructure remains a priority for NATO countries in the region.