UK fighter jets intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft that 'repeatedly approached' the carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed.
Details of the Interception
Two F-35 B fighter jets from HMS Prince of Wales were scrambled to intercept the Russian 'Bear-F' aircraft. The MoD described the Russian activity as 'unsafe and unprofessional.'
According to a Ministry of Defence spokesperson: 'While operating in the Norwegian Sea on Operation Firecrest, the UK’s Carrier Strike Group was repeatedly approached by a Russian ‘Bear-F’ maritime patrol aircraft. The Bear-F passed at low altitude and unnecessarily close to HMS Prince of Wales and dropped a large number of sonobuoys in close proximity to the carrier. This activity was unsafe and unprofessional. The Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted by two UK F-35 jets from HMS Prince of Wales until it left the area.'
Operation Firecrest
Operation Firecrest is the UK's ongoing deployment of its Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales. The group operates in international waters, including the Norwegian Sea, to demonstrate the UK's naval capabilities and commitment to NATO allies.
The interception highlights the routine but tense encounters between Russian and NATO forces in the region. The MoD did not specify how close the Russian aircraft came to the carrier or the exact number of sonobuoys deployed.
