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Estonia recently accused Russia of violating its airspace when three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland, remaining there for approximately 12 minutes. The incident has heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, as Estonia is a NATO member and takes airspace security seriously in the strategically sensitive region.

About the Gulf of Finland

• Geography: The Gulf of Finland is the easternmost extension of the Baltic Sea, covering an area of 30,000 sq.km. It stretches 400 km from east to west and 19–130 km from north to south.
• Borders:
  • North: Finland (including the capital, Helsinki)
  • South: Estonia (including the capital, Tallinn)
  • East: Russia (including St. Petersburg at the eastern tip)
• Physical Features:
  • Average depth: 38 m
  • Brackish water with low salinity (~6 ppt)
  • Freezes over 3–5 months in winter
  • Receives inflows from the Neva and Narva rivers and the Saimaa Canal
  • Contains numerous banks, skerries, and islands, including Kotlin Island (Kronstadt), Beryozovye Islands, Lisiy Island, MalyVysotsky Island, among others.
• Climate: Humid continental, characterized by hot summers and relatively harsh winters.

Strategic Significance

The Gulf of Finland is strategically vital due to its location at the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, proximity to major cities such as Helsinki, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg, and its role as a maritime and military corridor. The airspace and naval routes over the gulf are closely monitored by NATO and Russia, making any unauthorized incursion a serious geopolitical concern.

Implications

• For Estonia: The violation underscores the need for heightened air defense readiness along its borders.
• For NATO: The incident exemplifies the ongoing airspace tensions with Russia, reflecting broader geopolitical frictions in Northern Europe.
• For Russia: Demonstrates strategic airpower projection and interest in asserting influence over the Baltic region.