Friday, September 21, 2007

More Russian jets appear off the northern coast

Norwegian F-16BM Fighting Falcon. Photo: Airliners.net



The Norwegian military scrambled fighter jets twice on Thursday, to monitor yet another series of flights by Russian jets just outside Norwegian air space.

The Norwegian F-16 fighter jets took off from Bodø in the early morning hours to keep an eye on Russia bombers flying in international airspace off the Norwegian coast.

It was the latest of several such incidents in recent months, as Russia apparently is trying to assert its presence in the north. The Russians have stepped up military exercises from its Arctic bases and flown near Norway and the UK, both members of NATO.

A Norwegian military spokesman said the Russian aircraft stayed well away from the coast and did not near Norwegian territory.

Aftenposten English Web Desk.

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