The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that two Tu-160 strategic missile carriers conducted a mission over neutral waters in the Barents and Norwegian seas. According to the ministry, the operation involved a scheduled flight that spanned more than 13 hours, during which the aircraft remained within international airspace over open waters. The statement also noted that aerial refueling occurred as part of the flight, extending the range and endurance of the mission. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)
Earlier, statements from the Polish Ministry of National Defense described a separate incident in which three Russian military aircraft were escorted by Dutch F-35 fighters near the Polish republic. The Polish defense authority emphasized that no airspace violations occurred during these engagements. (Source: Polish Ministry of National Defense)
Reports indicate that Dutch F-35 aircraft stationed in Poland joined the escort of the three Russian aircraft. The escort consisted of two Dutch F-35s guiding the formation, marking the first such operation since the Dutch contingent began its mission in Poland. (Source: Polish Ministry of National Defense)
In summary, the recent operations involved careful airspace management with multinational coordination and observed adherence to international airspace rules. The Russian ministry highlighted the long duration of the Tu-160 mission and the in-flight refueling, while Polish and Dutch authorities described the escort arrangement as a normal, non-violation patrol under joint monitoring. These events illustrate ongoing vigilance and cooperation among allied air defense systems in European airspace, with attention to safety, verification, and clear communication among participating states. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense; Polish Ministry of National Defense; Dutch defense statements)