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Since the summer of 2014, EASA has taken up this challenge by issuing specialised Safety Information Bulletins
(SIBs). These bulletins contain operations related information or recommendations on the potential risks exist‑
ing in different conflict zones (RCZ) of the world.
These non‑binding bulletins are based on information coming from the Civil Aviation Authorities of France, the
United Kingdom and the United States of America. Before issuing such bulletins, EASA cross‑checks the appro‑
priateness and relevance of any such EU initiative with its NAA network of focal points assigned to Risks to Civil
Aviation in Conflict Zone (RCZ), with the Network Manager nominated by the European Commission, and with
the aviation industry.
Occurrences Over the High Seas
Involving Military Aircraft in 2014
In 2014, safety concerns were expressed by some EU Member States which had reported an increase in occurrenc‑
es (e.g. AIRPROX, airspace infringements) involving civil and military aircraft and an increase in non‑cooperative
military traffic
21
over the high seas. While similar occurrences have been reported by several EU Member States
over the last years, it seems that the most affected EU Member States in 2014 were the Baltic States. Taking this
situation into account, together with the any possible hazard to civil aviation safety, the European Commission
mandated EASA to launch a technical analysis of these reported occurrences and to report its conclusions and
recommendations.
The aim of the technical analysis was to assess the severity of the situation in general terms by analysing the re‑
ported occurrences and, in particular, the most serious ones. In addition, and taking into account the current
operational scenario (e.g. traffic density and complexity of the airspace over the Baltic Sea), an assessment of the
safety risk to civil aviation and its evolution was conducted.
Based on the results of the technical analysis, the Agency made the following conclusions:
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§
Over the past years, there has been a significant increase in ‘non‑cooperative’ military activity and an
increase in the total number of military flights over the Baltic Sea.
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§
The number of safety occurrences involving civil and non‑cooperative military aircraft over the high
seas, and in particular over the Baltic Sea, significantly increased in 2014, when compared with past
years.
21 Non‑cooperative military traffic/flight/aircraft in this report means military traffic/flight/aircraft with no flight plan in the ATM
system, and no communication with civil ATC, and no active transponder, or no coordination with civil ATC.