NATO and Russia send fighter jets into a tense aerial showdown over the Baltic Sea as Estonia attempts to stop a shadow fleet oil tanker heading toward Russian waters

What started as a routine maritime inspection quickly turned into a high-stakes standoff in the Baltic Sea, with NATO and Russian jets entering what looked like a Cold War-era dogfight.

The drama centered around an oil tanker with shadowy ties to Vladimir Putin’s evasion tactics—and it nearly sparked a dangerous international incident.

Estonia Intercepts a Suspicious Tanker

The tension began when Estonian forces moved to intercept an oil tanker named Jaguar, a massive crude carrier sailing under a Gabonese flag—but suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

Estonia, backed by NATO, believed the tanker was trying to dodge sanctions by disguising its identity.

To investigate, Estonian patrol vessels, helicopters, and surveillance craft attempted to board the ship.

But the tanker’s crew refused to cooperate—setting off alarm bells across the region.

NATO and Russian Jets Scramble in the Skies

As Estonia tried to intercept the Jaguar, NATO jets, including Polish MiG-29s, were dispatched to support the mission.

At the same time, Russia sent in its own muscle: a Su-35S fighter jet, which reportedly crossed into Estonian airspace to shield the fleeing tanker.

Footage later emerged showing a Polish fighter trailing the Russian jet in a dramatic showdown over the Gulf of Finland—an area already steeped in geopolitical tension due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Mockery From the Tanker Crew as Estonian Forces Move In

Inside the tanker, the drama was just as intense. Russian voices from the bridge were caught on tape mocking the Estonians—calling them “clowns”—as they maneuvered to avoid being boarded.

At one point, the Estonian forces demanded the ship anchor and follow their navigation commands. But the tanker refused.

A Hindi-speaking voice on board referenced a nearby drone, while another Russian crew member urged action: “Go on, hit it running.”

The Estonians came close, even attempting to veer the ship off course using a naval vessel.

Air and Sea Pressure Fails to Stop the Jaguar

Estonian helicopters and military planes, including an A139 chopper and an M-28 Skytruck, circled the Jaguar, but despite the visible show of force, they couldn’t force it to comply.

Eventually, the ship continued toward Russian-controlled territory, anchoring near Gogland Island in the eastern Baltic Sea.

According to pro-Kremlin media, Estonia’s attempts were a failure.

“Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel,” the Russian outlet Izvestia claimed, boasting of the tanker’s escape.

Estonia Lodges a Formal Protest Over Airspace Violation

Following the confrontation, Estonia summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, issuing a formal protest.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna didn’t hold back: “This is a very serious and regrettable incident,” he said. “It is in no way acceptable.”

He also called on the international community to impose even tougher and quicker sanctions on Russia in response to the provocation.

Estonia Explains Its Position

Estonian military officials explained that the Jaguar—near Naissaar Island off Tallinn—was broadcasting no clear nationality and refused to provide legal documentation.

Commander Ivo Värk confirmed Estonia had a right to inspect the ship, but ultimately refrained from using force.

“We had an obligation to verify the vessel’s documents,” said Värk, “but the use of force, including boarding, was deemed unnecessary.”

Instead, Estonia escorted the tanker until it crossed into Russian waters.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Was Top Priority

Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the move was all about safeguarding national security.

“The issue was the ship’s flag state,” he explained. “Our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved.”

The Mystery Behind the Tanker Jaguar

The Jaguar, an 800-foot-long crude oil tanker, has a history of changing identities.

Although it had been listed under Gabon, data from the Equasis maritime tracking database suggests the ship recently changed its name to Argent and is now flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau.

This ship is believed to be part of a vast Russian “shadow fleet”—a network of non-Russian flagged tankers Moscow uses to sidestep international sanctions on its oil exports.