The fighter jets stayed in international airspace above the Baltic Sea and returned to mainland Russia after three hours. Credit: Courtesy of Italian and German Air Force.

Nato has scrambled allied fighter jets conducting the Baltic Air Policing mission to intercept Russian military aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers and an A-50 Mainstay airborne warning aircraft, both escorted by Su-27 and Su-35 fighter aircraft, flew over the Baltic Sea on 20 April.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Nato radars tracked the Russian aircraft, and the Combined Air Operations Centre in Germany launched the allied fighter aircraft in response to intercept and identify them.

Italian and German Eurofighter jets deployed from bases in Lithuania and Estonia, the Polish Air Force F-16s fighters from Poznan Air Base and the Royal Danish Air Force F-16s from Skrydstrup Air Base to meet the Russian aircraft.

Nato pilots conducted professional identification and escort missions.

The Russian bombers stayed in international airspace above the Baltic Sea for approximately three hours and returned to mainland Russia.

Nato Staff Operations deputy chief brigadier general Andrew Hansen said: “Our teams deployed in support of Baltic Air Policing stand ready to intercept any perceived threat to  allied airspace.

“The alliance routinely practises intercepts for this exact reason and has built the necessary muscle memory to accomplish this at a moment’s notice.

“The event demonstrates Nato’s vigilance and responsiveness to air incidents and the collective effort of our allies to keep the airspace safe for all its users.”

In February, Nato announced that its Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft achieved initial operational capability (IOC), a major milestone for the programme.