NATO stealth fighters intercept Russian bomber force

Two Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 jets were scrambled this week to intercept a Russian bomber task force operating near NATO airspace in the High North, according to a NATO press release.

The mission was activated when two Russian TU-95 Bear H bomber aircraft, escorted by two Flanker-D fighters, approached the region. Norwegian F-35 pilots swiftly located, identified and maintained a safe yet vigilant distance from the Russian aircraft.

The advanced capabilities of the F-35 enabled the pilots to closely monitor the intruding aircraft and gather critical information, ensuring that NATO airspace remained secure.

In a news update, Major General Øivind Gunnerud, Norwegian Air Chief, was quoted as saying:

“Our Quick Reaction Alert mission in the High North is important for our national defence and NATO’s collective security. The ability to respond swiftly ensures the safety of our airspace and highlights the strength of our allied forces in maintaining peace and stability.”

The incident underscores the vital role of NATO’s Air Policing mission, which operates as a peacetime collective defence initiative aimed at maintaining the integrity and security of the Alliance’s airspace. In the High North and Arctic regions, this mission is particularly significant due to the unique geopolitical and geographical challenges faced by the region.

NATO officials highlighted that continued vigilance and the readiness to detect, intercept and monitor potential threats remain essential for regional security. The evolving military and technological landscape, combined with climate change and increased military interest in the Arctic, means that such operations will likely become even more critical in the future.

The press release also noted that these intercepts are part of NATO’s broader efforts to prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow, ensuring that the Alliance maintains its decisive military advantage across all theatres, including the contested High North.