A British Boeing Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft has been observed operating near Russia’s borders with the Baltic states and Finland, a source in European Union air traffic control circles confirmed.
The aircraft reportedly departed from the RAF Lossiemouth air base in Scotland before transiting the airspace of several European Union member states and commencing operations over the Baltic region and Finland, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.
“The aircraft took off from the Lossiemouth air base in Scotland and, after passing through the airspace of several EU countries, began operations over the Baltic states and Finland,” the source said.
According to the source, the Boeing Poseidon crossed Lithuania from west to east before turning north and flying along routes close to Russia’s borders with Latvia and subsequently Estonia.
The aircraft later entered Finnish airspace, where it reportedly continued its mission near the Finnish-Russian border.
“At present, the aircraft is in Finnish airspace. It flew almost to the central part of the country while remaining near the border area and is now heading back,” the source noted.
The source added that operations by aircraft of this type are relatively uncommon in the region.
At the same time, NATO surveillance activity has increasingly focused on Estonian airspace in recent months. According to the source, aircraft most frequently observed there include the Saab 340B ISR and the Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II, both of which are regularly used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The source also noted that a French Air Force multi-role transport and aerial refueling aircraft arrived in Tallinn several days ago, underscoring continued NATO military activity in the region.
By Vafa Guliyeva
