Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent nuclear-capable bombers on a long-range flight over the Norwegian Sea, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets to monitor the situation. This provocative move occurred on December 25, 2023, and involved the Russian Tu-95MS bombers, nicknamed “Bears,” which flew near the northern coast of Britain.
According to Moscow’s Ministry of Defence, the Tu-95MS bombers conducted a scheduled mission in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, lasting over seven hours. The statement mentioned that “at certain stages of the route, long-range bombers were escorted by fighter jets of foreign countries,” though it did not specify which NATO air forces were involved in the interception.
The Norwegian Sea is located northeast of Scotland, situated between Norway and Iceland. The Tu-95MS, developed in the 1950s, remains a critical component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. These aircraft are distinct as they are the world’s only propeller-powered strategic bombers.
NATO’s response highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations. The alliance scrambled fighter jets to monitor the Russian bombers, reflecting heightened vigilance in response to recent military activities in the region. Earlier this month, NATO aircraft were also deployed following a severe missile barrage on Ukraine, where Russian forces launched 51 missiles and 653 strike drones targeting civilian infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and power outages as temperatures dropped below freezing.
A large thermal power plant in Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was directly hit during this assault. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted 585 drones, 29 cruise missiles, and one ballistic missile during this period of intense conflict.
In response to the increased activity of Russian air forces, Poland activated its military aviation in its airspace. A statement from the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed that “due to the activity of long-range Russian air forces carrying out strikes on Ukrainian territory, military aviation has begun operating in Polish airspace.”
This series of military maneuvers underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, with NATO’s readiness to respond to perceived threats from Russia. As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful of developments that could have broader implications for security in Europe.
