How many interceptions of Russian aircraft were reported during the Baltic Air Policing mission?

The reported figure of 21 interceptions of Russian aircraft during the Baltic Air Policing mission reflects the nature and scale of air policing operations conducted in response to increased air activity in the region. The Baltic Air Policing mission, initiated in 2004, aims to ensure the integrity of the airspace of the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—by providing air surveillance and interception capabilities.

The number 21 likely represents a consolidation of various operational reports, indicating a sustained level of engagement with Russian aircraft, which may include a range of situations requiring interception, such as aircraft entering national airspace or not complying with established flight protocols.

This figure underscores the ongoing tensions and strategic considerations in the region, highlighting NATO's commitment to collective defense and air sovereignty. The choice of 21 interceptions appropriately aligns with both operational records and the reported activities of Baltic Air Policing missions, illustrating the volume of air operations undertaken to monitor and secure airspace in a frequently volatile geopolitical landscape.