The Russian Bear-F aircraft dropped a large number of sonar buoys—devices used to detect submarines—in close proximity to the carrier, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Two F-35 jets from Prince of Wales took off and escorted the Russian plane until it left the area.
The incident occurred days before a NATO meeting in Ankara, where member states are expected to pledge 70 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine in 2026. The British carrier group is currently operating under NATO command in the High North region to strengthen maritime security in the face of Russian aggression.
Relations between Britain and Russia are at a historic low due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and long-standing espionage allegations. Earlier this spring, Su-35 and Su-27 jets intercepted a British Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, with one Su-27 coming within six meters of the British plane’s nose.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
