Summary
- Russian fighters reportedly intercepted USAF B-52H bombers near Russia’s border.
- This interception is not the first this year.
- F-16 fighter jets are being sent to Ukraine to support in the ongoing war against Ukraine, following months of training and negotiations.
Russia said that it had reportedly intercepted two United States Air Force (USAF) strategic bomber aircraft from crossing its border over the Barents Sea near the Antarctic on July 21, 2024.
The reported interception
Russian state media has reported that the country’s fighter jets intercepted two US Air Force strategic bombers, identified as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, to prevent them from violating Russian airspace.
Photo: Arseniy Shemyakin Photo | Shutterstock
According to a report by Reuters, the Russian military deployed its MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets in response. The Ministry of Defence of the country, which illegally invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was quoted as saying:
“The crews of the Russian fighters identified the aerial target as a pair of US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers. As the Russian fighters approached, the American strategic bombers corrected their flight course, moving away and then turning away from Russia’s state border.”
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Not the first instance
This is not the first time this year that the Russian military has reported intercepting US Air Force strategic bombers near its airspace. Such incidents have occurred repeatedly throughout the year, highlighting ongoing tensions and interactions between the two countries.
A similar situation occurred in March 2024 when Russia intercepted two American strategic bombers approaching its border over the Barents Sea. The Russian military deployed a MiG-31 fighter jet to identify the aircraft and prevent any border violations. The Russian fighter crew identified the aircraft as a pair of US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers.
At the end of 2023, Russia dispatched fighter jets to intercept two US bombers and a drone approaching its northern and southern borders, according to a report by Reuters. Two US B-1B bombers approached the border over the Baltic Sea, and a Global Hawk drone approached the border over the Black Sea.
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What’s the latest on F-16 deliveries to Ukraine?
The first F-16 fighter jets are reportedly being sent to Ukraine to assist in Russia’s invasion of the country. According to a statement from the Dutch and Danish governments, released by the White House at the NATO summit, these Western fighter jets are expected to begin flying missions this summer.
Photo: Ali _Cobanoglu | Shutterstock
Dick Schoof, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Denmark, announced that the transfer process of F-16s to Kyiv is now underway following months of pilot training and political negotiations.
“We are committed to further enhancing Ukraine’s air capabilities, which will include squadrons of modern fourth generation F-16 multi-role aircraft. The coalition intends to support their sustainment and armament, as well as further associated training for pilots to enhance operational effectiveness.”
The statement added that governments “are unable to provide additional details at this time due to operational security concerns.”