Two Dutch F-35 fighters intercepted a formation of three Russian army plane over Poland and escorted them out, the Netherlands’ defence ministry stated in an announcement late on Monday.

“The then unknown plane approached the Polish NATO space of accountability from Kaliningrad,” in keeping with Reuters’ translation of the ministry’s assertion.

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Kaliningrad is a Russian Baltic coast enclave positioned between NATO and European Union members Poland and Lithuania.

“After identification, it turned out to be three plane: a Russian IL-20M Coot-A that was escorted by two Su-27 Flankers. The Dutch F-35s escorted the formation from a distance and handed over the escort to NATO companions.”

The Il-20M Coot-A is NATO’s reporting identify for the Russian Ilyushin Il-20M reconnaissance plane whereas the Su-27 Flankers are NATO’s reporting identify for the Sukhoi Su-28 fighter plane.

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Russia’s defence ministry didn’t instantly reply to Reuters’ request for a remark.

The Netherlands’ defence ministry stated that eight Dutch F-35s are stationed in Poland for February and March.