The Norwegian Air Force reported that two of its F-35 fighter jets were deployed to track four Russian military aircraft flying over the Barents Sea in the Arctic region. The reported aircraft included two Tu-95 Bear H bombers and two Su-35 Flanker M fighters, which were operating within international airspace. According to the Air Force, this monitoring operation is part of routine activities and reflects NATO's enhanced presence in the Arctic.

This incident is situated within the broader context of NATO's Arctic Sentry operation, which aims to bolster the military alliance's capabilities in the northern region. This operation was initiated as a response to changing security dynamics, particularly following heightened tensions in the Arctic, fueled in part by previous comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. Arctic Sentry thus serves both a deterrent and a reassurance function in the face of potential threats.

The ongoing operation is directed from Norfolk in the United States, indicating a coordinated military strategy among NATO allies to address evolving security challenges in the north. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the Arctic region is becoming increasingly strategic, necessitating vigilance and preparedness from NATO forces.