Russian Patrol Aircraft Approaches HMS Prince of Wales

A Russian patrol aircraft repeatedly approached the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea. London described the incident as dangerous and unprofessional. British fighter jets subsequently intercepted and escorted the aircraft away.

The incident occurred on 2 July. According to the UK Ministry of Defense, the Russian Tu-142 Bear-F flew at low altitude and passed unnecessarily close to the aircraft carrier. It also dropped a large number of sonobuoys, which are used to detect and track submarines, in the ship's immediate vicinity.

In response, two F-35B Lightning fighter jets launched from HMS Prince of Wales, intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it until it left the area.

The incident came ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, where allies are expected to confirm €70bn ($82bn) in military assistance for Ukraine through 2026.

The British carrier strike group is currently deployed under NATO command in the North Atlantic to strengthen regional security amid concerns over increased Russian military activity. Earlier this year, the UK also deployed warships to help protect undersea cables and gas pipelines from possible sabotage by Russian submarines.

(Reuters, bak)