Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian bombers
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian bombers, 21 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/558bc4b215.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 21, 2015
Sweden's military says its fighter jets intercepted two Russian bombers flying in international air space over the Baltic Sea close to the Swedish border on May 21.
Sweden, which is not a member of NATO, said it had intercepted two Tu-22M Backfire bombers heading in the direction of the Swedish island of Oland, south of Stockholm.
Military spokesman Jesper Tengroth said "they were up identifying these airplanes – telling them 'Hey, we see you.'"
Russia has been critical of closer ties between Sweden and NATO, which staged one of its biggest-ever antisubmarine exercises in the North Sea earlier this month, inviting Sweden to join for the first time.
Russian military activity in the Baltic has increased amid tensions between Moscow and the West following Russia's annexation of Crimea last year in March and its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Reuters and thelocal.se
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
