Hungarians catch Russian aircraft one after the other: Hungarian lieutenant colonel revealed insider insights – photos
Hungary’s Gripen fighter jets have completed 20 real missions over the past three and a half months, mainly intercepting Russian planes, drones, and Belarusian balloons as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) operation, securing Baltic airspace. Most scramble alerts were triggered by Russian Il-20 electronic reconnaissance aircraft and SU and MIG fighter and military transport planes. These appeared unidentified mainly along the narrow air corridor between the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Saint Petersburg.
Hungarian pilots have already carried out 20 live intercept missions
From 1 August to 1 December, the Hungarian Defence Forces are protecting the airspace of the Baltic states with four JAS-39C Gripen fighters and about 80 personnel. This is necessary because Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania do not have their own air forces, so NATO member states collaborate to guard their skies.
After previous rotations in 2015, 2019, and 2022, Hungary now leads this mission alongside the Spanish and Italian air forces. So far, Hungarian pilots have flown 300 sorties, accumulating over 365 flight hours. This includes 20 real ALFA alerts, 76 TANGO intercept exercises, and 53 training flights.
NATO member countries have been rotating the BAP mission since 2004. This marks the fourth time Hungarian Gripens have been involved, and the second since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.
- No hesitation: Hungarians capture Russian aircraft on their first mission
Hungarians secure the Baltics against unidentified Russian aircraft
The Hungarian contingent mainly performs Quick Reaction Alert duties, meaning the Gripens scramble within 15 minutes to identify unknown aircraft, explained Péter Tősér, head of the Hungarian Armed Forces’ Air Defence Readiness Unit, during a press tour. These are usually Russian fighters, transport planes, or reconnaissance aircraft flying unidentified close to Baltic airspace.
This means they either lack filed flight plans, fail to establish radio contact with air traffic controllers, or switch off onboard transponders. Physical identification is required, which fighter jets carry out from a distance—recognising a fighter from 40 miles away and pinpointing its type within 10 miles.
Which aircraft have been intercepted? Alongside Russian Il-20 electronic surveillance planes, Hungarian pilots have encountered SU-24, SU-30, SU-35, and MIG-31 fighters.
Not just Russian aeroplanes trigger real scramble alerts
The Hungarian squadron also participates in drone interception drills, escorts American strategic bombers, and practices air combat with other NATO allies. The Baltics’ strategic importance, heightened by the Russia-Ukraine war and the Russian Kaliningrad exclave, makes continuous air surveillance critical. Navigational errors and illegal activities, such as smuggling balloons launched from Belarus, frequently occur.
One of the most serious incidents happened on 9 September, when 20-30 Russian drones entered Polish airspace. NATO took unprecedented action by shooting down several of them. Moreover, Russia’s oil tanker shadow fleet poses an ongoing challenge, illustrated when an SU-30 fighter blocked an Estonian authority helicopter from landing on a ship.
According to Navigation Captain Pál Farkas, critical incidents include three MIG-31 fighter-bombers violating Estonian airspace on 22 September, and eight days later, a tanker aircraft and an SU-30 fighter accidentally crossed into Lithuanian airspace during aerial refuelling.
Hungarians to return with Santa
Logistical support has been a significant challenge, with over 60 tonnes of equipment flown into Lithuania on military aircraft. The contingent is expected to go home in early December.
- Click for more Hungary news.
Beyond military duties, the Hungarian team also engages in civilian initiatives, such as charity fundraisers and sports events. Among the two Baltic bases, Hungarian and Spanish air forces are stationed in Šiauliai, while the Italians serve in Amari, Estonia.
Currently, the Hungarian Air Force participates in air policing for seven NATO countries, including Croatia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, where ongoing jet replacements or shortages mean international support remains essential.