Putin Taunts the West in Latest WW3 Show of Strength: Russian SU-30 Warplanes Carrying Supersonic Missiles Intercepted Over the Baltic
**Russian Warplanes Carrying Supersonic Missiles Intercepted by NATO Pilots Over Baltic Sea**
*Published Sept. 18, 2025, 4:35 p.m. ET*
Russian warplanes carrying supersonic missiles were intercepted by NATO pilots over the Baltic Sea, RadarOnline.com can reveal. The incident marks the latest act of aggression from Vladimir Putin, who has been taunting President Donald Trump and European leaders with dramatic displays of Russia’s military strength, specifically the country’s nuclear capabilities, in ongoing “war games” exercises.
### Swedish Air Force Intercepts Russian Fighter Jets
The Swedish Air Force announced the successful interception of two Russian SU-30 planes believed to be carrying KH-31 missiles over the Baltic Sea, which borders NATO members Sweden and Finland.
KH-31 missiles are advanced anti-ship weapons equipped with radar seekers designed to track and destroy war vessels.
In an X post, the Swedish Air Force stated:
*”The Swedish Air Force’s incident readiness unit conducted operations on Wednesday in international airspace over the southern Baltic Sea. A JAS 39 Gripen identified a pair of Russian fighter aircraft of the SU-30 type. Subsequently, a Russian reconnaissance aircraft of the IL-20 type was escorted.”*
### NATO Member Warns: “Air Force Is Always on Standby”
As Putin, 72, continues to flex his nuclear arsenal, the Swedish Air Force concluded their post with a pointed message to the Russian leader: *”The Swedish Air Force is always on standby.”*
This incident over the Baltic Sea comes just days after Royal Air Force pilots were deployed to Poland to patrol the skies following the detection of an air threat near the Ukraine border. Putin’s forces later threatened these patrols.
In the days leading up to the air threat, Poland shot down 23 Russian drones that Putin’s forces sent into their airspace, further escalating tensions in the region.
### Vladimir Putin Observes Massive Military ‘War Games’
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has continued to demonstrate Russia’s military prowess. The 72-year-old Russian leader was seen clad in camouflage on Tuesday as he observed military drills with Belarus.
Putin made a surprise appearance at the Mulino training ground in the Nizhny Novgorod region, where he attended a briefing by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and inspected military equipment — including anti-drone weapons and radar systems.
Russian state TV reported that Putin announced approximately 100,000 soldiers and military personnel participated in the “war games.” The exercises took place across 41 different training grounds and involved 10,000 pieces of military equipment.
Putin reportedly highlighted the involvement of 247 warships, including submarines and support vessels, during the massive drills.
During his address, Putin doubled down on his commitment to defend Russia against what he perceives as threats from all enemies. He said:
*”The purpose of the exercise is to work out all necessary elements for the unconditional protection of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and defense against any aggression targeted at the Union State.”*
(The Union State refers to the Belarusian-Russian alliance.)
### Growing Global Concerns Over Escalating Tensions
Russia’s European neighbors — and the rest of the world — have braced for the possibility of World War III ever since Putin ordered the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Fears that the Russian leader could use nuclear weapons against the West have steadily increased as NATO members continue to back Ukraine with financial support and military aid — all while President Trump’s peace talks have failed to gain traction.
The recent airspace incursions, military drills, and increasing rhetoric signal a dangerously heightened state of military readiness and geopolitical tension in the region. The world remains watchful as events continue to unfold.
https://radaronline.com/p/vladimir-putin-taunts-west-russian-fighter-jets-intercepted-nato-baltic-sea/
