Norway joins NATO in condemning Russia’s violation of Allied airspace

Today, NATO has condemned Russia's violation of Estonian airspace on 19 September. This violation took place in the wake of similar incidents earlier this month in which Russia was responsible for airspace violations in Poland and Romania.

'NATO stands united and condemns Russia's airspace violations against Estonia, Poland and Romania. This is irresponsible and unacceptable conduct over Allied territory. These incidents occur in an already serious security situation' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On Tuesday, NATO Allies issued a clear statement underlining Russia's responsibility for these actions. The statement also indicates that more countries have experienced violations of their airspace, including Norway, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.

'Russia has violated Norwegian airspace on three occasions this year. The incidents in Norway are less grave in terms of location and duration than those that took place in Estonia, Poland and Romania. However, they are still serious incidents. Two of the airspace violations occurred over the sea northeast of Vardø. The third incident took place over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark. The airspace violations lasted approximately one to four minutes. We have not been able to ascertain whether these airspace violations were intentional or the result of navigational error. Regardless of the reason, this is not acceptable, and we have made this clear to Russian authorities,' said Mr Støre.

The three incidents this year come after a period of 10 years without any such violations of Norwegian airspace. The three incidents:

• 25 April: A Russian SU-24 fighter jet entered Norwegian airspace over the sea area northeast of Vardø. The aircraft flew through Norwegian airspace for four minutes.

• 24 July: A Russian L-410 Turbolet aircraft flew through Norwegian airspace over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark for three minutes.
• 18 August: A Russian SU-33 fighter jet passed through Norwegian airspace over the sea area northeast of Vardø for one minute.

'Norwegian authorities have dealt with these incidents directly vis-à-vis Russian authorities with the aim of reducing the risk of misunderstandings and escalation. The Storting (Norwegian parliament) has been informed. Norway has shared information with our Allies in NATO. We have also requested Russia to provide explanations for the violations of Norwegian airspace. Even if these incidents were due to navigational error, as a result of Russia operating with too small a margin of error, Russia has a responsibility to act in a way that prevents misunderstandings and mistakes. If Russia has intentionally violated the airspace of multiple countries, then this is a very serious situation indeed,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.