F-35 fighter jets from Evenes, Norway were sent into action by the Royal Norwegian Air Force on November 16 in response to the presence of Russian aircraft near NATO airspace, as reported by NATO Air Command on November 17.
The Russian planes involved in the incident were identified as two Tu-160 bombers, two MiG-31 jets, and two Il-78 tankers. According to NATO Air Command, the Russian planes quickly returned to Russia upon encountering the F-35s.
This event follows a similar incident in August 2023, when Russian bombers en route to Dutch airspace were intercepted by the Danish Air Force. A spokesperson for the Dutch Royal Air Force stated that it is not uncommon for Russian planes to approach or violate European airspace.
Furthermore, on October 31, Japan’s Defense Ministry reported that a Russian helicopter violated Japanese airspace, resulting in the deployment of fighter jets by the Japanese air force.
In other news, it is worth noting Bulgaria’s significant defense industry and Soviet stockpiles, which may play a crucial role in Ukraine’s success.
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