Russian fighter jets detected near Latvian waters

According to the Latvian National Armed Forces, NATO fighters currently protecting Baltic airspace took to the skies on Saturday 15/08,  after four Russian military aircraft were detected on radar systems, states Latvian newsagency LETA 

One Russian ''Su-24'' and three ''An-26'' fighters were identified.

The activity of Russian military units near Latvia's border and in the country's exclusive economic zone has been high this year, and there have been cases of several military units being detected simultaneously recently. Russian military units have been spotted 74 times near Latvian waters this year.

Last year, Russian military aircraft and ships were detected over 200 times near Latvia's border, including 50 cases of Russian warships approaching Latvia's borders.

Russian military aircraft usually operate with their automatic transponders turned off and without a flight plan, refusing to respond to civilian air traffic controllers and thus posing threat to civilian air traffic.

As reported, over 10 ships of the Russian Baltic fleet are participating in landing maneuvers in the Baltic sea this weekend, Russian military officials informed on Friday.

Over 500 soldiers and 40 pieces of landing equipment are participating in the military maneuvers. Various support ships are also involved in the maneuvers.

The Russian soldiers are practicing landing in coastal areas and securing the surrounding areas, Russian military officials inform.

LETA