Russian nuclear-capable bombers carried out a “scheduled” mission over the Norwegian and Barents Seas, a move that saw fighter jets from foreign nations escorting them, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry, as reported by Russian news agencies.
The ministry did not specify the exact date of the Tu-95 flights nor the countries whose aircraft provided the escort.
“Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers and missile carriers conducted a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas,” the ministry said, referring to areas north of Scandinavia and north-west of Russia.
“At certain stages, long-range bombers were escorted by fighter jets of foreign countries,” the statement added.
Russian authorities emphasized that such operations are routine in many regions and are conducted in compliance with international law.
This event comes amid growing regional vigilance over foreign military flights. Earlier this month, South Korea and Japan raised concerns over Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating near their territories, prompting both countries to scramble fighter jets. Tokyo reported that two Russian Tu-95 bombers flew from the Sea of Japan to meet two Chinese H-6 bombers in the East China Sea, conducting a joint flight around Japan.
While these maneuvers are part of routine military exercises, they highlight the ongoing tension and the heightened vigilance of countries in Northern and East Asia. Observers note that such flights, though described as scheduled, inevitably spark concern among neighboring nations, emphasizing the fragile balance of security in international airspaces.
