No Russian bombers in Arctic during Georgia crisis
Norwegian fighter jets today intercepted two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers outside the northern Norwegian coast. The Russian aircrafts had not been observed in the area since before the crisis in South Ossetia, Norwegian military officials confirm.
According to a press spokesman for the Norwegian Air Force, two Norwegian F16 fighter jets were sent to mark territory against four approaching Russian aircraft, among them two Tu-160 strategic bombers, newspaper Avisa Nordland reports.
The air force spokesman also confirms that no Russian bombers had been observed in the area since 7 August.
The more than one-month break in strategic flights in the High North could be assessed as a deliberate Russian policy not to stir tensions in the region. Thus, before the war in Georgia, Russian aircrafts were seen patrolling the area almost every week.
Despite the ongoing hassle between Russia and NATO, political relations between Norway and Russia remain warm and positive. Both countries have on numerous occasions expressed determination to continue to develop cross-border cooperation both on land and at sea. The recent meeting between the two countries’ coast guards in northern Norway is just one example of the cooperation.
