TORONTO

Two RCAF CF-18 Hornet pilots on a routine training mission over Lithuania Saturday were redirected because the Russians were coming.

And soon, the Russians were right over top of them.

As Russian and Ukrainian leaders argue over ceasefire violations, Canadian fighter jets intercepted a Russian spy plane inside NATO air space, military sources said Saturday in nearby Lithuania.

The CF-18 Hornets were part conducting a routine training mission and were “re-tasked airborne in response to a non-NATO aircraft off the Baltic coast” early Saturday afternoon, said a Department of National Defence brief. “The CF-18s intercepted and visually identified a Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) Ilyushin Il-20 COOT A” Lithuanian airspace and over international waters.

They got photographic proof, too.

From there the RCAF jets “shadowed the Il-20 for approximately five minutes before being ordered to return to base by NATO controllers,” the brief said.

That type of plane is used by the Russian Air Force for electronic warfare and as a surveillance platform,” NATO said.

“Canada’s participation in Baltic Air Policing is a demonstration of Allied solidarity and NATO’s dedication to the security of its members,” said Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson. “We are extremely proud of our men and women in Lithuania, through their hard work our nation is showing the world that Canada stands alongside our NATO allies as we respond to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Our pilots are amongst the best trained in the world and continue to demonstrate that the Royal Canadian Air Force stands ready for any challenge.”

The Royal Canadian Air Force is also currently flying CF-18s over the skies of Iraq as well as part of the targeting of ISIL targets.

There have been several intercepts over the region since the Toronto Sun visited Lithuania in September when Canada took over the patrols as part of our NATO commitment.

Saturday’s intercept captured extra attention because of the recent concern over escalation of the military situation in Ukraine.