Croatian Rafales intercept Maltese passenger plane in NATO air policing mission

Croatian Air Force Rafale jets intercepted a Maltese passenger aircraft identified as a potential threat during routine NATO integrated air and missile defense operations. This marks Croatia's independent air policing role since January 1, 2026, highlighting its operational integration into NATO's collective defense framework. The incident underscores ongoing vigilance in European airspace, though details on the nature of the threat remain undisclosed.