>>64283812
"Why they didn't shoot:"
The answer is simple: There was no need for it. NATO's modus operandi in Baltic states is based on tiered response. The core features of this are identification, controlled defense, and diplomatic response - NOT unnecessary escalation. This is guided by Baltic Air Policing Operation, which is NATO's permanent arrangement. In this system, different fighter wings from different nations rotate their patrol and response roles in both Estonia and Lithuania.

The Command and Control of the operation is done in Germany, at Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), which starts the response and defensive action and commands units involved in cooperation with different national military command centers.

In practice, the system starts with observation. Military Intelligence, NATO radar identification, AWACS patrols and cooperation with civil air traffic controllers ID the incoming object approaching or inside national airspace borders. If the aiircraft's transponder is off, or if it has no announced flight plan or if it's behavior raises suspicion, CAOC orders stand-by fighter-planes to take off - which happens in minutes

First identification is done in range with radars and datalinks, once closer with visual ID..Pilots will attempt radio contact and everything will be recorded.

Next step is internationally agreed signals: Waving wings, light signals and even cockpit hand-signals will tell the Russian pilots that it is time to leave. If the target does not comply, the intercepting aircraft can fly in formation to guide it out of the violated air-space or to guide it to land. This happened at this case: NATO Fighters escorted the Russian planes out of the airspace without escalation.

So why didn't they shoot? The use of armed force is the last resort, which requires a hostile act or immenent danger, as well as political decision-making. Pilots can defend themselves if threatened, but active hostilities require higher authorization.