NATO allied flight crews conduct training exercises in Estonian airspace this week

This week, from 22-28 June, NATO air defence aircraft based in the Baltic states will conduct training flights in Estonian airspace, including low-level and supersonic flights. Residents may hear sonic booms, which resemble explosions or artillery fire. All flights are conducted in accordance with Estonian legislation and agreements concluded with the Transport Authority and Air Navigation Services Ltd.

NATO allied flight crews are conducting extensive training flights in Estonian airspace this week, involving both low-level and supersonic flight operations. The exercises are scheduled for 22-28 June 2026, taking place daily between 10:00 and 22:00.

What residents may notice

Low-level flights will not descend below 152 metres, or 500 feet. The flight paths running over populated areas cannot be entirely ruled out, and aircraft may pass over towns and individual farms, though inhabited areas are avoided where possible.

Supersonic flight is accompanied by a shock wave and the resulting sonic boom, which may sound similar to artillery fire or an explosion. Residents are urged not to be alarmed, as these are planned military exercises.

NATO air defence in the Baltic region

Under a decision of the North Atlantic Council, NATO member states' air forces ensure the protection of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian airspace. The aircraft used for this purpose are based at Ämari Air Base in Estonia and Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.

All training flights are conducted in accordance with Estonian legislation and coordinated with the Transport Authority and Air Navigation Services Ltd, which ensures the safety of civil aviation during the exercises. Supersonic flights are conducted only at designated flight altitudes.

The purpose of the exercises is to ensure the readiness of NATO aircraft to respond quickly to potential air incidents in the Baltic region, an area considered a key air defence priority for NATO's eastern flank.