Two British F-35 fighter jets intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft that came too close to a British aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea. The Russian Bear-F aircraft dropped sonobuoys and did not respond on international safety frequencies. The incident occurred during the UK’s Carrier Strike Group’s Operation FIRECREST.
The F-35 jets, based on HMS Prince of Wales, escorted the Russian aircraft away from the area. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group, operating in the High North alongside NATO allies, focuses on security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The Russian aircraft’s actions were deemed unsafe and unprofessional by the British Ministry of Defence.
The British Defence Ministry highlighted that the Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is contributing to the defense of Europe and the North Atlantic. F-35 jets from the group are conducting NATO air policing operations from the carrier deck for the first time. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP visited UK forces aboard HMS Prince of Wales, currently deployed off Iceland under NATO command.
Russia has not yet publicly responded to the British Ministry’s statement regarding the incident. The UK continues its operations in the region, emphasizing security cooperation with NATO allies.
