Large-scale NATO air exercises underway near Kaliningrad
NATO is conducting extensive US-led air force exercises this week over Poland and the Baltic states, including near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. The drills follow intelligence reports suggesting Russia is testing NATO's weak points.
This week, under US leadership, NATO's northeastern flank is hosting large-scale air force exercises involving flights over Poland and Baltic airspace, including areas close to Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. The scale and mix of resources involved have drawn attention from defense experts and flight analysts.
According to flight tracking data and statements from US officials, the exercises are showcasing a range of capabilities, including combat strikes, aerial refueling, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. On Tuesday, participants included US and Norwegian fighter jets, Polish ground forces, and a NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft, which was tracked flying over northern Poland.
Possible link to Russian activity
Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US intelligence, that Russian President Vladimir Putin is probing NATO's vulnerabilities in preparation for a possible limited attack on an allied nation within the next couple of years.
Observers estimated that between 25 and 50 aircraft took part in Wednesday's exercises, though officials declined to confirm exact numbers for security reasons. A refueling aircraft and a US Air Force EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare plane were spotted near Kaliningrad, having flown from Crete in Greece to northern Poland and back. Three AWACS aircraft and several refueling planes were also observed in the region.
Latvia's National Armed Forces confirmed they supported NATO's activities, involving the Air Force Control and Reporting Centre, though they did not disclose further details.
Increased Russian naval presence
Alongside the air exercises, Russia has stepped up naval activity in the region — on Monday, the frigate Admiral Kasatonov, capable of carrying hypersonic Zircon missiles, was spotted near Germany's Fehmarn island. Experts note there is no evidence the NATO drills were a direct response to Russian naval movements, as such exercises are conducted regularly by the alliance.
