UK Aircraft Carrier Approached by Russian Patrol Plane in Norwegian Sea Incident
Details of the Incident and NATO Response
Overview of the Encounter
LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - Britain said its aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea was repeatedly approached by a Russian patrol aircraft, before being escorted away by UK fighter jets, in the latest incident risking a potential escalation between NATO and Russia.
Context: NATO Meeting and Military Assistance
The incident, which Britain called "unsafe and unprofessional", comes ahead of a NATO meeting in Ankara on Tuesday, where NATO members are set to pledge €70 billion in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026.
Details of the Russian Aircraft Approach
Actions by the Russian "Bear-F" Patrol Aircraft
Britain said the Russian "Bear-F" maritime patrol aircraft passed at low altitude and "unnecessarily close" to HMS Prince of Wales, the aircraft carrier at the centre of a naval formation known as a carrier strike group, on July 2.
"The Bear-F...dropped a large number of sonobuoys in close proximity to the carrier," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement, referring to devices which are used to detect and track submarines.
UK Response to the Incident
Two F-35 fighter jets from the HMS Prince of Wales were sent to intercept the Russian aircraft until it left the area.
Broader Security Context
Carrier Strike Group Deployment
Britain's carrier strike group is currently deployed under NATO's command in the High North, as part of efforts to boost North Atlantic security given concern over Russian aggression in the region.
Previous Security Measures
Earlier this year, Britain deployed military vessels to prevent attacks on cables and pipelines by Russian submarines that spent more than a month in and around UK waters.
Official Visits and Statements
Defence Minister's Visit
Britain said in a separate statement on Monday that defence minister Dan Jarvis had recently visited UK forces onboard the aircraft carrier in waters near Iceland.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, writing by Sarah Young; editing by William James)
