Korenica:A Croatian Air Force Rafale fighter jet intercepted a Maltese-registered passenger aircraft over Croatia on Tuesday after it was identified as a potential threat by NATO air command.

According to Anadolu Agency, the interception was ordered by NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejon, Spain, after the Boeing aircraft, flying from Greece to Germany, was found to be transmitting a transponder code indicating a hijacking.

The interception occurred above Korenica in central Croatia at 11.02 am (1202GMT), where the Croatian pilot established radio contact with the aircraft. The passenger plane was then escorted out of Croatian airspace and entered Slovenian airspace at 11.20 am.

Croatia has been using Rafale fighter jets for air policing since January 1, as part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.