India, Sept. 20 -- NATO said on Friday that it scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft after three MiG-31s violated Estonian airspace, calling the breach another example of Moscow's "reckless" behaviour amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region.

"Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft," alliance spokesperson Allison Hart posted on X. "This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond."

Estonian authorities said the Russian jets entered their airspace over the Gulf of Finland and remained for about 12 minutes.

They were met by Italian F-35 aircraft currently deployed under NATO's Baltic air policing mis...