ROME - The Italian airforce said on Friday it intercepted unidentified aircraft flying over international waters in the Baltic Sea, and two defence sources in Rome identified them as Russian planes.

The two interceptions were carried out on Thursday and Friday morning by Italian Eurofighter jets based in the Polish base of Malbork as part of a NATO air policing mission, a statement said.

After completing their activity, the Italian jets returned to the Polish base, the airforce added, without giving further details.

The two defence sources said the Russian aircraft were spotted by radars but did not respond to radio signals and requests to communicate. REUTERS