NATO Pushes F‑35s Into Action When Russian Nuclear Bombers Hover Over the North Sea

On Tuesday NATO scrambled two Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter jets as two Russian TU-95 nuclear capable H bomber aircraft and two warplanes flew over the North Sea.

The strategic bombers were escorted by a Russian MiG-31 and a Su-33 fighter jets which flew over the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said the flight was done “in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace.

“The flight lasted more than four hours. The crews of MiG-31 aircraft of the Aerospace Forces and Su-33 planes of the Navy provided fighter support during the flight.

“At some stages of the flight, fighter jets of foreign states escorted the Russian strategic bombers.”

Norwegian Air Chief, Major General Øivind Gunnerud, said, “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.”