NATO scrambles jets to intercept Russian bombers near Alliance airspace

Sweden scrambled two Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets on Tuesday to intercept a pair of Russian Tu-22 Backfire bombers flying over the Baltic Sea, the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) confirmed.

The Russian bombers were escorted by two Su-27 Flanker fighter jets, prompting a swift response from Sweden, a NATO member.

This incident marks one of seven occasions last week where NATO fighter jets were mobilized to intercept Russian aircraft violating airspace regulations. The growing frequency of such encounters underscores escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, with experts warning of the potential for further deterioration in relations.

Moscow’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov recently cautioned that a conflict between Russia and NATO could erupt within the next decade. Finland also responded to the sighting of the Russian bombers, scrambling F-18 Hornet fighter jets before the Netherlands took over with F-35 Lightning II jets as part of NATO's Air Policing mission.

The Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, developed by Saab AB, is renowned for its versatility and ability to operate under challenging conditions. The aircraft is specifically designed to counter Russian threats, including advanced surface-to-air missile systems and high-speed jets. In September, Sweden announced a $445 million military aid package for Ukraine, which included spare parts for the Gripen jets.

Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) previously described the Gripen as "explicitly designed to counter Russian surface-to-air missiles and fast jets by flying very low, employing an internal electronic warfare suite, and operating efficiently from dispersed bases with mobile teams."

* Newsweek contributed to this article.