Two F-35 fighter jets from the Royal Norwegian Air Force scrambled at high alert from Evenes Air Station in northern Norway to intercept Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace over the Barents Sea.
The mission involved the takeoff of two Norwegian F-35As to identify and escort two strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-95 Bear H, escorted by two fighter jets Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker M.
One of the Su-35S involved carried the identification “53 BLUE” and belongs to the Russian Knights aerobatic team, Russia’s traditional aerial demonstration squadron.
The presence of an aircraft from this squadron in an operational mission drew attention and was compared to a hypothetical scenario in which the U.S. Blue Angels escorted an armed strategic bomber.
Interception within normal operational activity
According to the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret), the operation took place on Thursday, February 27, as part of NATO’s air surveillance mission in the Arctic.
During the action, the F-35s visually identified and escorted:
- Two Tu-95 Bear H strategic bombers
- Two Su-35S Flanker M fighter jets
The interception occurred in international airspace over the Barents Sea, without violating Norwegian airspace.
According to the official statement, this is considered a routine activity, but one that is essential for regional security. Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions are part of NATO’s permanent strategy to monitor air movements near allied borders.
Arctic Sentry mission and Arctic surveillance
The operation is part of the surveillance efforts associated with the “Arctic Sentry” initiative, aimed at monitoring military activity in the Arctic region, considered strategic by both Russia and NATO countries.
Evenes Air Station in northern Norway plays a central role in this alert system and is one of the main readiness points for interceptions in Europe’s far north.
Norwegian authorities emphasized that although this type of interception is recurring, each mission is conducted with a high level of readiness and professionalism, ensuring the protection of allied airspace and regional stability.
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Source and images: Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Today, two Norwegian F-35s at @NATO mission identified and shadowed two Russian Tu-95 Bear H bombers and two Su-35 Flanker M fighters in international airspace over the Barents Sea – a routine activity, but an important part of monitoring and safeguarding our region #ArcticSentry pic.twitter.com/irnU1cXGN3
— Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no) February 27, 2026
