Norwegian F-35 fighters intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft over European airspace
On the first day of operation for the newly established NATO Air Force command center in the Norwegian city of Buda, Norwegian F-35 fighter jets successfully intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft, an Ilyushin-20, operating in international airspace near Finnmark.
According to Norwegian Air Force sources, the incident occurred without any dramatic events or aggressive maneuvers, as the Russian aircraft was engaged in routine reconnaissance activities.
This marked the first mission for NATO’s new Air Force command center, which was inaugurated last week in Buda.
Recently, NATO fighters have regularly patrolled the airspace and intercepted Russian military aircraft to prevent potential escalation or threats.
At the end of September, two Hungarian Gripen fighters intercepted five Russian military aircraft, demonstrating NATO’s vigilance.
Furthermore, earlier Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace, prompting discussions within NATO on appropriate responses to such provocations.