French Rafale fighters intercepted a Russian Il-20M aircraft over the southern Baltic Sea. This was stated by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic.
According to the French side, a unit of combat aircraft went to identify an aerial target in international airspace.
After visual contact, the Rafale crews escorted the Il-20M and left the interception area.
The Il-20M is equipped with an A-87P advanced aerial photography station and a Romb-4 general electronic intelligence system. The under-fuselage nacelle houses the antenna of the Igla-1 side-looking radar (SLAR).
The aircraft is also equipped with a Quadrat-2 detailed electronic intelligence station and Vishnya VHF radio interception equipment.
A few days ago, the Polish Air Force Operations Command also reported on the escort of the Il-20M over the Baltic Sea.