NATO and Russian warplanes engage in dramatic dogfight over Baltic Sea as Estonia attempts to intercept shadow fleet tanker near Gotland Island

Tensions flared dramatically over the Baltic Sea this week when NATO and Russian warplanes scrambled into what looked like a tense aerial showdown.

The drama centered on the oil tanker Jaguar, a ship flagged in Gabon but suspected of being part of Vladimir Putin’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

This shadow fleet is believed to be a network of tankers Moscow uses to dodge international sanctions on its oil exports.

Estonian Forces Attempt to Intercept the Tanker

Estonian authorities made a bold move to board the Jaguar, deploying a patrol vessel, a helicopter, and even a surveillance boat.

The goal was to halt the tanker, which was suspected of carrying oil to Russia despite sanctions.

But the Jaguar refused to cooperate, raising the stakes.

NATO Jets and Russian Fighters Take to the Skies

As tensions grew, NATO scrambled jets, including Polish MiG-29 fighters, to monitor the situation.

Russia responded swiftly by sending a Su-35S fighter jet, which reportedly crossed into Estonian airspace to protect the tanker.

The encounter between the NATO and Russian jets over the Gulf of Finland—part of the Baltic Sea—was caught on dramatic footage, showing a close aerial pursuit.

Tensions on the Water: Verbal Exchanges and Close Calls

Voices from the Jaguar’s bridge were captured on audio, with a Russian crew member calling the Estonian forces “clowns” during their failed boarding attempts.

The tanker eventually anchored near Gotland Island, a strategic location in the eastern Baltic controlled by Russia.

Onboard, the crew seemed unfazed by the confrontation, joking about drones and dismissing the Estonian demands to change course.

The Estonian warship, identified by radio as Papa 6732, warned the tanker it would not allow passage without compliance, but the vessel ignored the orders.

The Jaguar Reaches Russian Waters Despite Attempts to Intercept

Despite Estonia’s efforts to intervene, the Jaguar made it safely to Russian-controlled waters near Gogland Island and continued on its way toward the port of Primorsk.

Pro-Kremlin news outlets celebrated the tanker’s successful evasion, calling Estonia’s attempts ineffective.

Estonia Responds With a Diplomatic Protest and Demands for Sanctions

Following the incident, Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d’Affaires in Tallinn and delivered a formal protest over the Russian warplane’s violation of Estonian airspace.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the incident, calling it “serious and regrettable” and insisted Russia must face “tougher, faster sanctions” in response.

What Estonia Says About the Incident and Its Security Concerns

The Estonian Navy’s Commander Ivo Vark explained that the tanker was sailing “without a nationality,” raising red flags.

Estonian forces attempted to verify its documents and legal status but were met with silence.

Estonia decided against using force but escorted the vessel until it crossed into Russian waters.

Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that the priority was protecting Estonia’s critical infrastructure and ensuring national security.

The ship’s unclear flag and evasive behavior made it a potential threat that Estonia could not ignore.

The Shadow Fleet and Sanctions Dodging Explained

The Jaguar, roughly 800 feet long, is officially registered under Gabon’s flag, although shipping databases show its name changed to Argent and its flag to Guinea-Bissau earlier this year.

These changes are typical tactics used by Russia’s shadow fleet—a complex web of vessels operating under foreign flags to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil.