Is downing Russian planes in Nato airspace realistic?

Nato has warned Russia that it will use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend itself, as debates continue over whether the alliance should shoot down Russian drones and jets that violate its airspace.

- TAZ ALI

The North Atlantic Council, Nato’s principal political decision-making body, met on Tuesday after Estonia invoked Article 4 of the alliance’s founding treaty, triggering a provision that mandates consultations if a member feels its “territorial integrity, political independence or security” is under threat.

It follows an incident last Friday when three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes before Italian Nato fighter jets escorted them out.

It came after some 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace on 10 September, prompting Nato jets to shoot some of them down.

"Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. They must stop," the alliance said in a statement following Tuesday's meeting.

"Russia should be in no doubt: Nato and allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions."

Could Nato shoot down Russian planes?

US president Donald Trump expressed his approval of a more robust response to airspace violations. “Yes I do,” he said when asked by reporters on Tuesday whether Nato countries should shoot down Russian jets if they enter Nato skies.

It followed comments by the Czech president Petr Pavel, who told local media on Saturday that Nato “must respond appropriately, including possibly shooting down Russian aircraft”.