Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighters intercepted multiple Russian Tu-22M3 bombers escorted by Su-27 and Su-35S fighters over the Baltic Sea. The encounters underscore heightened NATO air policing amid repeated Russian long-range sorties near alliance borders.
In the most recent operation on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Gripens shadowed the missile-armed bombers transiting neutral airspace from Olenya Air Base toward Kaliningrad. At least one Tu-22M3 carried a Kh-32 anti-ship missile, identifiable by its shorter nosecone, as the group passed between Gotland and Latvia.
Italian Eurofighters on NATO Baltic Air Policing also launched to escort the formation, which reversed course before entering Russian territory after over five hours aloft. Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the flight complied with international rules, with no airspace violations reported.
Similar interceptions occurred January 22, 2026, involving Gripens and a single Tu-22M3 with Su-35S escorts, and on a Monday when two bombers were spotted northeast of Gotland at 10 a.m. These missions mirror a December 2024 exercise, signaling Russia’s persistent testing of NATO response times.
The Tu-22M3, a 1960s-era supersonic platform designed for maritime strikes, can carry up to three Kh-22/32 missiles. Frequent Baltic operations heighten operational strain on NATO quick reaction alert forces, bolstering regional deterrence.