Russian Jets Buzz NATO Airspace as ‘Close Encounters’ Rise Sharply

VOA: Russian Jets Buzz NATO Airspace as ‘Close Encounters’ Rise Sharply

LONDON — Russia has significantly increased its military activity in the skies around Western European NATO members, according to a new report that warns the tactic could present a danger to civilian aircraft.

NATO forces in Europe scrambled fighter jets to intercept approaching Russian aircraft — so-called Quick Reaction Alerts or QRA — close to 800 times last year. That's almost double the figure from 2014, according to London-based analyst group The Henry Jackson Society.

Its report calls for improved communication and clearer rules of engagement between Western European powers and Moscow to avert potentially dangerous incidents.

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More News On The Increase In Russia - NATO Jet Encounters Over The Baltic Sea

Russian, NATO Planes Play Risky Game Over Baltic Sea -- WSJ
Highway to the danger zone: Russian, NATO planes lock horns over Baltic Sea -- Asia Times
NATO and Russia clash over 'unsafe pilot manoeuvres' in Baltic Sea -- SKY News
NATO bristles at ‘unsafe behavior’ by Russian pilots -- Politico
NATO, Russia set to urge each other to curb 'unsafe' Baltic jet maneuvers -- Reuters