The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed on Monday, July 6, that two Russian 'Bear F' maritime patrol aircraft were intercepted by NATO after approaching the US carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea last week. The interception occurred following the deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier to the Arctic Circle in support of NATO allies.
Unsafe and Unprofessional Manoeuvre
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Russian aircraft conducted an 'unsafe and unprofessional' manoeuvre, repeatedly approaching the carrier strike group. The Russian planes also dropped a large number of sonobuoys near the HMS Prince of Wales. Sonobuoys are underwater microphones used to detect and track submarines.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia in the region, particularly as NATO reinforces its presence in the Arctic. The UK has not yet disclosed whether any submarines were detected during the incident.
Ongoing Developments
This is a breaking story, and further updates are expected as more details emerge from the Ministry of Defence and NATO officials.
