Tensions in the Baltic Sea escalated on November 25 during a joint military exercise between the United States and Finland. Russia deployed two Su-27 fighter jets near the Kaliningrad region to intercept U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The incident was confirmed the following day by a U.S. official to Reuters.
The Exercise and Russian Response
The exercise marked the first joint bomb simulation between the U.S. and NATO partner Finland over the Baltic Sea. Finland’s Air Force participated with F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets. In response to the drill, Russia took action by intercepting U.S. bombers near Kaliningrad.
Escalating Strategic Tensions
This incident comes just days after Russia tested its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the U.S. and U.K., accusing them of enabling Ukraine to attack Russian territories with advanced Western weaponry.
U.S. and NATO Resolve
U.S. officials described the Su-27 interception as “safe and professional” and noted that the U.S. bombers maintained their planned flight path. U.S. Air Forces Europe Commander General James Hecker emphasized the importance of such exercises, stating:
“Together, we are building stronger strategic relationships that enhance security and stability across the region.”
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