Swedish Jets Intercept Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Over Baltic
- On November 28, 2023, three Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers flew over the Baltic Sea, originating from the Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula.
- NATO aircraft tracked the russian bomber formation at various points during its flight.
- The Baltic Air Policing mission is a long-standing NATO operation designed to safeguard the airspace of its member states in the Baltic region.
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Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Conduct Flight Over Baltic Sea, Monitored by NATO
Table of Contents
Published November 28, 2023, 21:42:24 PST. Last updated November 29, 2023, 08:00 PST.
Overview
On November 28, 2023, three Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers flew over the Baltic Sea, originating from the Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula. The aircraft, recently relocated from bases in Siberia, remained in international airspace throughout the duration of the multihour flight. NATO aircraft monitored the formation, and Sweden coordinated its response with baltic Air Policing units.
Flight Details and NATO Response
NATO aircraft tracked the russian bomber formation at various points during its flight. The mission occurred within an area where allied air forces regularly monitor Russian long-range aviation approaching Northern European airspace. Sweden, in accordance with established procedures, coordinated its response with Baltic Air policing units, engaging in cross-border monitoring and regional alert missions. The Swedish Air Force reported no unsafe maneuvers by the Russian aircraft and maintained a distance monitoring posture after conducting an identification run.
The Baltic Air Policing mission is a long-standing NATO operation designed to safeguard the airspace of its member states in the Baltic region. NATO’s official website details the mission’s objectives and history.
Tu-22M3 Capabilities and Operational History
The Tu-22M3 is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing long-range strategic bomber and missile carrier. It has an operational radius of approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,491 miles). Air Force Technology provides a detailed overview of the aircraft’s specifications and capabilities.
The Tu-22M3 is capable of carrying a variety of air-to-surface missiles, including the Kh-22 (NATO designation AS-4 kitchen) and the Kh-32 (NATO designation AS-16 Corkscrew). These missiles have varying ranges depending on the modification and warhead type. Notably, Russia has deployed these aircraft and missiles in the ongoing war in Ukraine, utilizing them to strike ground targets. Reuters reported in May 2023 that Russia has used Kh-22 missiles in attacks on Ukraine.
| Aircraft | tu-22M3 |
|---|---|
| Role | Long-range strategic bomber/missile carrier |
| Operational Radius | ~2,400 km (1,491 miles) |
| Primary Missiles | Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen), Kh-32 (AS-16 Corkscrew) |
Increased Russian Activity in the Region
This flight occurs against a backdrop of heightened NATO surveillance of Russian military activity in