25.12.2025 11:55
NATO deployed fighter jets after Russian leader Putin flew Tu-95MS strategic nuclear bombers in the region to threaten the UK on Christmas Day. Russia stated that the flight lasted more than 7 hours and that foreign fighter jets accompanied it in some parts of the route.
NATO scrambled fighter jets after Vladimir Putin sent Tu-95MS strategic nuclear bombers on a long-range flight over the Norwegian Sea on Christmas Day. The flight of the Russian bombers, known as "Bears," near the northern regions of Britain was interpreted as a warning message to the West.
RUSSIA: WE CONDUCTED A PLANNED FLIGHT
In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was noted that "Tu-95MS long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted a planned flight in the airspace of neutral waters over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea. The flight lasted more than 7 hours." The statement also mentioned that foreign military aircraft accompanied the bombers at certain stages of the route. The Russian side did not specify which NATO countries these aircraft belonged to.
RUSSIAN FIGHTER JETS ALSO ESCORTED
During the flight, it was reported that Russian Su-33 fighter jets also accompanied the Tu-95MS bombers, and NATO was said to have closely monitored Russian air assets by directing fighter jets to the region. It was reminded that the Norwegian Sea is located between Norway and Iceland, northeast of Scotland.
FIRST FLEW IN THE 1950S
It was stated that the Tu-95MS aircraft first flew in the 1950s, but they remain one of the important elements of Russia's "nuclear triad" (land, sea, and air-based nuclear capability). The Tu-95s, which operate with a propeller system, are the only propeller-driven strategic bombers in the world.
NATO RAISED ALERT LEVEL
Furthermore, it was noted that these aircraft have also been used in devastating conventional missile attacks in Ukraine, and NATO raised its alert level similarly during Russia's recent heavy missile strikes.