Two Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian spy aircraft flying without an active transponder over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday, Poland's military said on Wednesday.

The Russian Il-20 had not filed a flight plan for its "reconnaissance mission" in international airspace , Warsaw's operational command said in a statement.

The aircraft did not violate Poland's airspace. Two Polish MiG-29 fighter jets escorted the Russian aircraft from the area.

"Thanks to the high combat readiness, professionalism of the pilots, and the efficient functioning of the air defense system, the operation was carried out quickly, effectively, and safely," the Polish military said in a statement.

The Baltic Sea is sometimes dubbed a "NATO lake," bordered by members of the alliance. But Russia has a significant

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