NATO scrambled fighter jets after drone alerts; Estonia says alliance is ready to defend territory
Margus Tsahkna posted on X that "NATO has responded quickly and precisely" after fighter jets were activated.
On 1 September 2026 NATO scrambled fighter jets after alerts about unmanned aerial vehicles, and Estonia’s foreign minister said the alliance was ready to defend its territory. The activation was reported early on 1 September and posted on the social network X by Estonia’s foreign minister.
Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on his X profile: "NATO has responded quickly and precisely, in accordance with its plans. It is constantly on alert and ready to defend its territory."
Operational response and regional measures
The fighter jets were put into the air by NATO’s Air Policing mission based in Latvia. At the same time, Finland announced restrictions on air and maritime traffic in areas near its border with Russia.
The armed forces of both Estonia and Finland separately posted updates on X confirming the activation of forces and the traffic restrictions.
No further details were released immediately about the origin of the unmanned aerial vehicles or whether they caused damage. NATO and the affected national authorities said they remain on heightened vigilance while monitoring the situation.
Photo: press material from the event
