The Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets were scrambled from Evenes Airbase on February 4 to intercept two Russian Tu-95 “Bear H” strategic bombers escorted by two Su-33 fighter jets flying near NATO airspace in the High North.

NATO Allied Air Command confirmed the interception in a statement on February 5, highlighting the importance of its Air Policing mission in maintaining regional security and stability.  

“Intercepts like this underscore the importance of NATO’s Air Policing mission. The ability to detect, intercept, and monitor potential threats is crucial for maintaining regional security and stability,” the statement read. 

NATO said that the two Norwegian F-35 jets quickly located and identified the Russian aircraft, maintaining a safe but vigilant distance, which enabled them to monitor the aircraft’s movements closely. 

The advanced capabilities of the F-35 helped them to gather important intelligence and ensured that the Russian aircraft did not violate NATO airspace. 

Major General Øivind Gunnerud, Norwegian Air Chief, said, “Our Quick Reaction Alert mission in the High North is important for our national defense and NATO’s collective security. The ability to respond swiftly ensures the safety of our airspace and highlights the strength of our allied forces in maintaining peace and stability.”

NATO Air Policing is a peacetime mission focused on protecting the Alliance’s airspace and maintaining its security. This effort takes on greater importance in the High North and Arctic due to the region’s strategic location and complex geopolitical landscape. 

Russian military aircraft regularly operate near NATO airspace to assess the Alliance’s reaction speed and convey strategic messaging. 

Based on the flight route, it appears that the Tu-95MS bombers, accompanied by Su-33 fighters, likely launched from the Olenya airbase, which serves as one of Russia’s main strategic aviation hubs. 

This latest incident follows Norway’s F-35 jets being scrambled from Poland for the first time under NATO command on January 15. At the time, Polish authorities reported that the deployment was in response to heightened long-range aviation activity from Russia. 

Just days later, on January 17, NATO warplanes were deployed after a suspected Russian drone crashed into Romanian airspace. Video footage from the incident captured a dramatic explosion at a port on the Ukrainian side of the River Danube, near the Romanian border. 

Su-33 Flanker-D Fighter Jet 

The Tu-95, a Cold War-era strategic bomber known for its long-range capabilities, has been a regular feature in Russian air patrols near NATO airspace. It is often used for strategic deterrence missions and is capable of carrying cruise missiles and nuclear payloads. 

On the other hand, the Su-33 fighter jet is designed as a naval interceptor for Russia’s aircraft carriers, making its role as an escort for bombers near NATO borders an attention-grabbing occurrence. 

Russia does not operate a large fleet of Su-33 fighter jets. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Navy underwent large-scale downsizing, which ultimately led to the termination of the Su-33 program. Only 24 units of this fighter jet were ever produced and rolled off the assembly line.

In an effort to revitalize the program, Russia later sought interest from foreign nations, particularly China and India, both of which seemed like ideal candidates. 

Despite initial discussions, negotiations never came to fruition, and the Su-33 never entered service outside of Russia. As a result, no foreign orders were ever placed for the aircraft.

This long period of inactivity has left the Su-33 without a functional platform for deployment and has reduced its operational capacity.

Moreover, Moscow also appears less optimistic about Admiral Kuznetsov’s imminent return, as resources and personnel have been redirected to other areas. 

Reports have indicated that the sailors who once served on Russia’s only aircraft carrier have already been reassigned to other duties, including deployments in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

By the end of 2023, the Su-33 aircraft were also reassigned to land-based operations as part of a new mixed aviation corps within the Northern Fleet. Further, in a historic milestone, these aircraft made their first-ever flight to airfields on the Arctic Ocean islands in mid-2024.

Regardless, the Su-33 fighter jet remains a decent platform. It offers impressive range and payload capabilities, surpassing those of the MiG-29K. 

The Su-33 can fly significantly farther than the MiG-29K, owing to its larger fuel tanks. Additionally, the Su-33 has a maximum takeoff weight that is about 50% higher than the MiG-29K, which allows it to carry a larger payload of weapons.

The Su-33 also boasts lower stall speeds, which makes it easier to land on aircraft carriers like the Admiral Kuznetsov. However, even with its capabilities, the Su-33 is beginning to show its age when compared to more modern fighter jets. 

The aircraft’s “Slot Back” radar system offers limited multi-target tracking capabilities and requires support from reconnaissance and airborne early warning platforms for proper guidance. 

Furthermore, the aircraft’s ability to intercept anti-ship missiles is limited, and its look-down radar technology lags behind the more advanced systems found on modern fighters.

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