politics
Russian Patrol Aircraft Drops Sonobuoys Near UK Carrier in Arctic
A Russian maritime patrol plane approached the UK carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea and released multiple sonobuoys before two UK F-35 jets escorted it away. The Ministry of Defence described the July 2 encounter as unsafe and unprofessional.
Jul 6, 4:36 AM·1m read1 source
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A Russian maritime patrol aircraft approached the UK carrier strike group operating in the Norwegian Sea and dropped a large number of sonobuoys near HMS Prince of Wales. The Ministry of Defence said the Russian plane, identified as a Bear-F, flew at low altitude and close to the carrier on July 2.
British forces attempted to contact the aircraft but received no response. Two UK F-35 jets from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted the Russian plane and escorted it until it left the area.
The carrier strike group is taking part in Operation Firecrest alongside NATO allies under the Arctic Sentry framework. The group includes HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Duncan, F-35 jets, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, and RFA Tidespring. The UK contribution also includes jets over Romania, a battlegroup with drones in Estonia, and the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps based in the UK.
Context The July 2 incident occurred days before a NATO summit scheduled to begin in Ankara on July 7. HMS Prince of Wales left Glen Mallan jetty last month and later docked in Norway for repairs.
