The Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace

Author:
Anna Kholodnova
Date:

The headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces stated that on Tuesday, August 9, a Russian Mi-8 helicopter entered the Estonian airspace near the Koidula border crossing without authorization.

This is reported by Err.

The helicopter did not file a flight plan and its radar was turned off. Also, the helicopter did not have two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic services.

The Russian Mi-8 spent almost one minute in the airspace of Estonia.

On August 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Ambassador Volodymyr Lipaev to express a protest and hand him a diplomatic note.

"Estonia considers this an extremely serious and unfortunate incident that is completely unacceptable," the ministry said.

  • This event became the third similar incident in 2022. Last time, a Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace on the night of June 18. This also happened in the Koidula area in the south-east of Estonia.