Kremlin: Estonia's Readiness to Host NATO Fighter Jets Poses a Threat to Moscow
June 27, 202552 ViewsRead Time: 1 minutes
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The Kremlin said today, Friday, that Estonia's announcement of its readiness to host "F-35A" aircraft belonging to NATO member countries poses a direct threat to Moscow. These aircraft are American-made, stealthy, and capable of carrying warheads.
Estonian Defense Minister Hannes Hanso told the local newspaper "Postimees" on Thursday that Estonia, which borders Russia and serves as a rotating base for NATO aircraft responsible for protecting the airspace over the Baltic Sea, is ready to host aircraft with nuclear capabilities if necessary.
The newspaper quoted Hanso as saying: "If some of these aircraft, regardless of their country of origin, have dual-use capability for carrying nuclear weapons, it does not affect our position on hosting F-35 aircraft in any way". He added: "Of course, we are ready to host our allies".
Hanso's statements came after Britain, a NATO member, announced its intention to purchase at least 12 "F-35A" aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads and to join the alliance's airborne nuclear deterrent mission.
When asked about Hanso's statements, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said that such a step would pose a clear threat to Russia.
The newspaper quoted Hanso as saying: "If some of these aircraft, regardless of their country of origin, have dual-use capability for carrying nuclear weapons, it does not affect our position on hosting F-35 aircraft in any way". He added: "Of course, we are ready to host our allies".
Hanso's statements came after Britain, a NATO member, announced its intention to purchase at least 12 "F-35A" aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads and to join the alliance's airborne nuclear deterrent mission.
When asked about Hanso's statements, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said that such a step would pose a clear threat to Russia.
