Long-range Tu-22M3 bombers conducted a flight lasting more than five hours over neutral waters, escorted by Su-35 and Su-27 fighters.
The Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a planned flight of long-range Tu-22M3 bombers over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, according to a statement released on Thursday (23) by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which also published a video showing the operation.
The footage shows the bombers being escorted by Su-35S and Su-27 fighters during the flight, which lasted more than five hours. In specific segments of the route, Russian aircraft were accompanied by fighters from foreign countries, indicating close monitoring by NATO forces.
+ Watch the video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense
According to Moscow, the flight was carried out “in strict compliance with international airspace regulations,” emphasizing that long-range aviation crews “regularly conduct similar missions” over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Black Sea, and Baltic Sea.
Rising tensions in the Baltic
The overflight comes at a time of heightened tension in the Baltic region, where Russian and NATO military activity has intensified. In recent months, countries such as Sweden and Finland—now members of the Atlantic Alliance—have strengthened their air and naval defenses, while Russia has expanded its strategic exercises and patrols in nearby areas.
Analysts point out that such flights, carried out by bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles and tactical nuclear weapons, also serve as a show of force and a direct response to the growing Western military activity near Russia’s borders.
Regional context
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Baltic Sea has become one of the main focal points of the rivalry between Moscow and the West. The increase in air interceptions and NATO military exercises in countries such as Poland and Estonia has raised concerns about possible military incidents in the region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it will continue to carry out “regular flights to ensure combat readiness and crew training” in all strategic areas under its responsibility.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
