Russian jet escorted Norwegian spotter plane over Barents Sea, defense ministry says

Both Norway and Russia regularly conduct such patrols.

By Reuters December 13, 2022
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A Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber and MiG-31 fighter jets perform a flight over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian seas, in this still image taken from video of a different flight released on July 21, 2021. (Russian Defense Ministry / Handout via Reuters)

MOSCOW — A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet escorted a Norwegian P-3 Orion military surveillance plane flying on Monday over the Barents Sea, which both countries adjoin, Russian news agencies reported, citing Russia’s defense ministry.

Norway regularly conducts such missions over the Barents Sea, as do Russian military aircraft.

The Norwegian P-3s are currently being replaced by the more advanced P-8 surveillance plane.

Reporting by Reuters, with additions by ArcticToday.