NATO Forced To Scramble Jets 400 Times To Intercept Russian Aircraft In 2014

Portuguese Air Force fighter F-16 (L) and Canadian Air Force fighter CF-18 Hornet patrol over Baltics air space, from the Zokniai air base near Siauliai November 20, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Ints Kalnins

NATO Scrambles Jets 400 Times In 2014 As Russian Air Activity Jumps -- Reuters

(Reuters) - NATO warplanes have had to scramble 400 times this year in response to an increase in Russian air activity around Europe not seen since the Cold War, the alliance's chief said on Thursday.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members have sought to fill gaps in the alliance's land, air and sea defences since Russia annexed Crimea and backed a secessionist movement in the eastern part of Ukraine.

Speaking to U.S., German and Estonian troops at a newly expanded and renovated air base in western Estonia, which once housed a Soviet military installation, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the problem was not just where the Russians are flying but that they are not turning on their transponders or communicating.

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Update #1: NATO reports 400 intercepts of Russian aircraft in 2014 -- Global Post/AFP
Update #2: Baltic Sea countries report surge in Russian air activity, several violations -- AP

My Comment: Only 400?  I recall during the Cold War this number was significantly higher.