Norwegian Air Force F-35A fighters intercepted and shadowed two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers during an approximately 16-hour patrol over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea.
According to NATO Air Command, the F-35s launched from Evenes Air Base on a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission to identify and monitor the Russian formation as it operated in international airspace near NATO territory.
In addition to the bombers, the Russian mission also included two MiG-31BM escort fighters and one Il-78M aerial refueling aircraft. Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that the mission was shadowed by foreign aircraft but did not identify the countries involved.
In addition to the Norwegian interception, NATO reported that French fighters assigned to the Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted a Russian Tu-154B aircraft during a separate operation in the region. Portuguese F-16 fighters also participated in the activity, although the aircraft they monitored was not disclosed.
The interception missions are part of NATO’s routine surveillance operations in northern Europe, where Allied aircraft monitor Russian military flights approaching the alliance’s airspace.
Although the Russian bombers remained in international airspace, these operations allow NATO to identify, track, and monitor aerial activity in the region.
1/ VKS Tu-160M1 strategic missile carriers conducted a planned mission over the Barents & Norwegian Seas that lasted approximately 16 hours. Footage released by the Russian MoD shows Tu-160M1 “Vasily Senko” (B/N “11” Red / RF-94114) and “Vladimir Sudets” (B/N “15” / RF-94108). pic.twitter.com/qtiyIlRF92
— Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) June 23, 2026
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Photos: NATO Air Command / X @GuyPlopsky. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
