Two Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighters took off on high alert from Evenes Air Base in the north of the country to intercept Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace over the Barents Sea.
The mission involved the takeoff of two Norwegian F-35As to identify and accompany two strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-95 Bear Hescorted by two hunters Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker M.
One of the Su-35S involved bore the identification “53 BLUE” and belongs to the Russian Knights aerobatic group, Russia’s traditional air demonstration team.
The presence of an aircraft from this squadron in an operational mission attracted attention and was compared to a hypothetical scenario in which the Blue Angels of the United States would escort an armed strategic bomber.
Interception during normal operations
According to the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret), the operation took place on Thursday February 27 as part of the NATO mission dedicated to aerial surveillance in the Arctic.
During the action, the F-35s identified and visually accompanied:
- Two Tu-95 Bear H strategic bombers
- Two Su-35S Flanker M fighters
The interception took place in international airspace over the Barents Sea, with no violation of Norwegian airspace.
According to the official statement, this is an activity considered routine, but essential for regional security. Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions are part of NATO’s ongoing strategy to monitor air movements near allied borders.
Arctic Sentry mission and surveillance in the Arctic
The operation is part of the surveillance efforts linked to the “ Arctic Sentry », aimed at monitoring military activities in the Arctic region, considered strategic by both Russia and NATO countries.
Evenes Air Base in northern Norway plays a central role in this warning system and is one of the main preparation points for interceptions in the far north of Europe.
Norwegian authorities stressed that, although this type of interception is recurrent, each mission is carried out with a high level of preparation and professionalism, ensuring the protection of allied airspace and regional stability.
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Source and images: Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Today, two Norwegian F-35s at @NATO mission identified and shadowed two Russian Tu-95 Bear H bombers and two Su-35 Flanker M fighters in international airspace over the Barents Sea – a routine activity, but an important part of monitoring and safeguarding our region #ArcticSentry pic.twitter.com/irnU1cXGN3
— Norwegian Armed Forces | Defense (@Forsvaret_no) February 27, 2026
