NATO fighter jets were scrambled on Christmas Day to intercept Russian strategic bombers flying close to British waters, raising concern within Western European military and diplomatic circles.
The Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, conducted a long-range flight over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, north of Scotland, approaching UK airspace, according to reports by The Mirror.
This type of aircraft is frequently used by Russia for reconnaissance missions and demonstrations of military power, actions that have contributed to heightened regional tensions.
The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the mission was a “planned flight” over neutral waters. However, Western officials closely monitored the operation, activating air and ground radar systems to track every movement of the Russian bombers.
