Three Russian MiG-31 fighters violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday, triggering complaints of a dangerous new provocation from the European Union and NATO but a denial from Moscow.

Italian F-35 fighters attached to NATO's air defence support mission in the Baltic states, along with Swedish and Finnish aircraft, were scrambled to intercept the Russian jets and warn them off.

"On September 22... the United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency meeting in response to Russia's brazen violation of Estonian airspace last Friday," a statement from the Estonian ministry said.

It marks the first time in 34 years of Estonia's membership in the UN that the EU and NATO member nation -- a staunch supporter of Ukraine -- has officially requested an emergency Security Council meeting.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the violation is "part of a broader pattern of escalation by Russia, both regionally and globally", following violations of Polish and Romanian airspace earlier this month.

"This behavior requires an international response," Tsahkna said.