Fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force were part of the NATO fighter package deployed to intercept Russian Tu-22M3 bombers armed with long-range Kh-22/32 anti-ship missiles. The Russian Aerospace Forces conducted an exercise over the Baltic Sea, which also included Su-27 escorts.
According to the Royal Netherlands Air Force, “…two Dutch F-35As took off from Estonia yesterday to intercept two Su-27s and two Russian Backfire bombers. Two Swedish JAS 39 Gripens took over from the F-35As east of Gotland…”. The fifth-generation fighters deployed from the Estonian base at Ämari.
As we reported at the end of yesterday, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) carried out long-range patrol flights with their strategic Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers, supported by Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-27 fighters as escorts. The patrol, conducted during the morning, lasted more than five hours, covering a prolonged deployment over the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Black Sea, and Baltic Sea waters.
Throughout their patrol, Russian aircraft were intercepted by various NATO fighters. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the combat aircraft sent to intercept the VKS formation belonged to the Air Forces of Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands with their F-35A Lightning IIs, which visually identified the aircraft after being alerted by NATO Air Command.
The presence of Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs in Estonia is part of the rotational deployment conducted by NATO Air Forces within the framework of the Baltic Air Policing mission. During the reception ceremony in early December, Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center in Uedem, Germany, emphasized that “…the first NATO aircraft to use this newly upgraded airstrip will be fifth-generation fighters; this is a clear demonstration of how Allies are investing in new cutting-edge technology and capabilities to address current and future threats…”.
The total cost of the project to upgrade the Ämari airbase was €18.5 million. It is “…an investment to enhance NATO’s infrastructure in the region. In Ämari, Estonia will demonstrate that it is fully capable of supporting fifth-generation aircraft operations while resuming NATO air surveillance flights 24/7. This is a significant contribution to the Alliance’s readiness on the eastern flank…”.
The Ämari and Šiauliai airbases play a vital role in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing missions, concentrating high-level capabilities under the Alliance’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System. “…With the new deployment of Italian, French, and Dutch fighter jets, NATO has robust air capabilities that send a clear signal to potential adversaries about the Allies’ collective readiness and commitment to preserving territorial integrity…,” detailed Allied Air Command.
The presence of Tu-22M3 bombers alongside their escorts aligns with typical deployments by the Russian Aerospace Forces. What made this case particular was the presence of long-range anti-ship missiles, one of the roles intended for Russian bombers. Their targets include high-value military vessels such as aircraft carriers and amphibious ships.
Cover image: Koninklijke Luchtmacht
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