Two stealth jets F-35 owned by NATO deployed from the Air Base Evens in Norway on a mission Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) after being detected by a Russian reconnaissance aircraft IL-20 COOT-A flying in international airspace north of Finnmark.
According to @NATO_AIRCOMthis is the first real mission directed by the new Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Bodø, which is responsible for monitoring and controlling Alliance air activity in Europe’s northern regions.
+ The United States will receive a prototype of the new M1E3 Abrams main battle tank at the end of 2025
F-35 jets operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force successfully identified the IL-20, an electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft that Russia uses to collect signals and monitor communications. This type of aircraft is often seen near NATO airspace.
The rapid alert (QRA) mission is an important part of NATO’s integrated air defense, ensuring immediate response to any unidentified aircraft approaching allied airspace.
What is IL-20 COOT-A
IL-20 “Coot-A” is an electronic reconnaissance and intelligence aircraft developed by Ilyushin Design Bureau in the 1960s and widely used by Russian Air Force. Based on the IL-18 military transport aircraft, this model is modified for surveillance and data collection missions with special sensors, side antennas, optical systems and long-range radar.
Its main function is to intercept radar signals, communications and electronic activity from other countries to provide strategic information about the tactical situation and whereabouts of NATO forces.
Despite its outdated design and turboprop engine, the IL-20 remains operational thanks to its flight range of more than 6,000 km and its ability to operate in the Arctic region and the Barents Sea — a sensitive surveillance zone between Russia and its NATO allies.
Source and photo: NATO Air Command / @NATO_AIRCOM. This content was created with the help of AI and has been reviewed by the editorial team.
