NATO fighter jets scrambled to confront Russian strategic bombers that flew near British waters on Christmas Day, causing concern in Western European military and diplomatic circles.
Russian Tu-95MS bombers, which have the capacity to carry nuclear weapons, were sent on a long flight over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, north of Scotland, close to British airspace, reports themirror.
This type of aircraft is often used by Russia for reconnaissance and force demonstration missions, increasing tensions in the region.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was a "planned flight" over neutral waters, but Western officials observed the flight and put in place monitoring measures, tracking every movement of the Russian bombers by air and ground radars.
During the mission, the bombers were accompanied by Russian Su-33 fighter jets, which provided support and ensured a safe corridor for strategic aircraft.
The flight lasted more than seven hours, including passing near several important military areas and the airspace borders of allied countries.
NATO reacted quickly, strove to monitor and escort the Russian aircraft. According to official sources, the bombers did not enter the UK's sovereign airspace, but came close enough to its area of strategic interest, putting air defence forces on alert and raising vigilance across the region.
The event comes at a time of heightened tension between Russia and NATO allies, showing that control over airspace and rapid response remain key elements for national security and regional stability. /Telegraph/
