Russian bombers over Baltic spark swift NATO response
The Swedish Armed Forces detected Russian Tu-22 bombers over the Baltic Sea, prompting several NATO countries to react. According to Therese Akerstedt, a spokeswoman for the Swedish Air Force, there was no violation of Swedish airspace.
On Tuesday, two Russian Tu-22 bombers escorted by Su-27 fighters were encountered over the Baltic. This event captured the attention of the Swedish Armed Forces, which decided to take action. In response, the Swedish Air Force dispatched two Jas Gripen fighters. Photos from this operation were published on forsvarsmakten.se, confirming Stockholm's engagement with the incident.
Russian bombers over the Baltic
Before the Russian aircraft crossed international airspace near Gotland, allied armed forces monitored them. In the Gulf of Finland, Finnish F-18s intercepted the Russian planes, after which a Dutch F-35 fighter tracked them as part of NATO's Air Policing mission.
Cooperation within NATO proved crucial in this case. As representatives of the Swedish Air Force emphasized, international coordination allowed for an effective transition between the different countries' fighters participating in the mission.
Tu-22 bombers
The Tu-22 bomber, also known as the "Blinder" in NATO nomenclature, is the first supersonic strategic bomber developed in the Soviet Union by the Tupolev design bureau. Designed in the 1950s, the aircraft entered service in the early 1960s to enhance the USSR's strike capabilities during the Cold War. Its main role was to carry nuclear payloads over long distances and conduct reconnaissance and assault missions. Currently, Russia employs modernized versions of the aircraft, including the Tu-22M3.
The Tu-22M3 bombers, advancing the earlier Tu-22 model, can reach supersonic speeds and achieve long ranges. The Tu-22M3 can conduct missions over several thousand miles with a design incorporating modern technologies. Regarding armament, the Tu-22M3 can carry advanced missiles, including long-range missiles and conventional bombs. This versatility allows them to undertake a wide range of offensive tasks. While precise data on the armament is not publicly available, these aircraft are often used in operations requiring significant firepower.
