Putin sent nuclear bombers to the UK, and NATO took action.

25.12.2025 11:55

NATO sent fighter jets to the region following Russian President Vladimir Putin's deployment of Tu-95MS strategic nuclear bombers over the Norwegian Sea on Christmas Day. Russia stated that the flight lasted more than 7 hours and that foreign fighter jets accompanied the bombers in certain 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 during certain phases of the route. The Russian side did not specify which NATO countries these aircraft belonged to.

Putin sent nuclear bombers to England, NATO took action

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 still 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 the recent heavy missile attacks conducted by Russia.