NATO’s Joint Force Command Brunssum reports 16 alpha-scrambles in the Baltic region within a single week, overwhelmingly caused by Russian military aircraft operating without flight plans or radio communication. These are not navigation errors or civilian safety lapses. Flying “dark” forces NATO fighters to intercept to prevent miscalculation, mid-air risk, and airspace escalation. The pattern confirms persistent Russian military pressure along NATO’s northeastern air flank. NATO’s response is p