As part of one of their most recent deployments in Northern Europe, U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress bombers were intercepted by Su-27 fighters of the Russian Armed Forces deployed from Kaliningrad. The incident, confirmed by U.S. officials, occurred while the American aircraft were flying over the Baltic Sea near the Russian Federation’s enclave in the region.
In recent weeks, strategic B-52H bombers from the USAF’s 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron have been central to the Bomber Task Force 25-1 deployment, operating out of RAF Fairford Air Base in England. Among their recent missions were exercises in Northern Europe, including simulated bombing runs in Finland. During these operations, the B-52s were escorted by Swedish Air Force Gripens and Finnish Air Force F/A-18s along their route.
“This bomber task force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European allies and partners,” said General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, in a statement released Tuesday. “Together, we build stronger strategic relationships that enhance security and stability across the region.”
Although further details were not provided, it is presumed that during their return flight over the Baltic Sea, the B-52H bombers were intercepted by Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighters deployed from Kaliningrad. It remains unconfirmed whether the aircraft belonged to the Naval Aviation or the Aerospace Forces (VKS) operating from the enclave.
This is not the first time Russian fighters have conducted similar intercepts of USAF bombers. Last July, MiG-29 fighters and MiG-31 interceptors from the Russian Aerospace Forces intercepted two B-52H Stratofortresses during a previous Bomber Task Force Europe deployment, as the bombers were flying over the Arctic Circle.
Regarding the recent episode, U.S. authorities reported that the interception was conducted safely and professionally, without disrupting the B-52s’ flight plans.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions in Europe. Following ballistic missile strikes by Ukraine on Russian territory using ATACMS missiles, the Kremlin responded with an attack on the city of Dnipro, employing a new experimental ballistic missile. Later, another Ukrainian strike, utilizing U.S.-supplied missiles, targeted the Khalino airfield in the Kursk Oblast.
You may also like: The United States confirmed that the Russian Armed Forces used the new experimental Oreshnik ballistic missile in their latest attack on Ukraine
