NATO intercepts series of Russian bombers

Six Russian nuclear-capable bombers were intercepted by NATO fighter jets as they flew into the Baltic Sea.

Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber. Photo: Yle

AFP reported that the incident involved four Russian Tu-95 Bear strategic bombers and two Tu-22M Backfire long-range bombers on December 7. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) dispatched Portuguese F-16 fighter jets to intercept the planes while they were in international airspace.

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said that while interceptions were common in the Baltic Sea, this incident showed the "seriousness of Russian activity".

In two other incidents later in the day, Western military alliance fighter jets intercepted a total of seven Russian aircraft, including Tu-34s used for training and passenger transport, as well as An-72 transport planes.

“Such activities can be destabilizing and dangerous if international norms are not respected,” Lungescu warned, noting that Russian fighter jets have failed to report their location or provide flight plans in advance, posing a risk to commercial aircraft in the vicinity.

NATO says Russian activity in European airspace has increased since the Ukraine crisis erupted earlier this year, a level of presence not seen since the Cold War.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said there had been about 400 intercepts of Russian military aircraft near member states so far this year, a 50% increase from last year. The US-led military alliance has deployed additional aircraft, ships and personnel to reassure members.

However, Russia affirmed that its air force only conducted training flights in international airspace and fully complied with current international rules.

According to vnexpress