Two Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 aircraft were scrambled from Evenes Air Station, after reports two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircraft flew over Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea
Norway has scrambled two fighter jets to intercept Russian bomber planes that were flying towards NATO airspace – sparking further fears over World War 3.
The Norwegian F-35 pilots located and identified the Russian aircraft and closely monitor the aircraft’s movements. The advanced capabilities of the F-35 jets allowed them to gather information – while ensuring Russian aircraft did not fly over NATO airspace.
Norwegian Air Chief, Major General Øivind Gunnerud, said of the mission: “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.”
With the ability to detect, intercept, and monitor potential threats hailed as crucial for “maintaining regional security and stability”, which involves the continuous presence and readiness of fighter jets to take the skies at a moment’s notice.
The latest incident comes just two weeks after Norwegian jets were scrambled by NATO for the first time against Russia on January 15. Polish authorities had then said the jets were deployed after “intense long-range aviation activity” was detected from Russia.
Ukraine reported waves of drone and missile attacks across the country, including in western regions bordering NATO territory. It led to Russia acknowledging it had targeted Ukraine overnight.
And just days later on January 17, NATO warplanes were scrambled after a suspected Russian drone crashed after flying into Romanian airspace. Footage from the incident showed a dramatic explosion at a port on the Ukrainian side of the River Danube, along the border with Romania.
Last December, it was reported how British spies would share its “most discreet and sensitive work” with Norway to counter the worrying threat from Russia.
A deal is understood to have been agreed between the UK’s National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping and the Norwegian National Security Authority, with Sir Keir Starmer “seized by the threat” posed by Vladimir Putin ’s security services.
The two agencies will reportedly share methods of countering covert listening devices planted by hostile states like Russia, with greater cooperation due to the threat from spying.
