Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers were intercepted as they approached Russian airspace over the Baltic Sea by Sukhoi Su-27 fighters. This was conveyed by the Russian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday (24/10/2023).

According to the ministry, Russian air defenses detected two air targets over Baltic waters, and a fighter aircraft was sent to identify them and prevent violations of national airspace.

The Su-27 crew identified the intruders as Lancers, which are long-range strategic bombers designed to carry nuclear-armed missiles and bombs. As the Russian fighters approached, the two American bombers changed course and moved away from the border.

The Russian Ministry of Defense noted that no airspace violations occurred, and the interception was fully in line with the norms of safe behavior and international law relating to neutral waters.

Earlier this month, the US sent several B-1 bombers and about 100 air service members from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron in Dyess, Texas to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford base in England.

The deployment is part of the “European Bomber Task Force 24-1” mission, which is described as providing the United States and NATO with “a strategic option to reassure its allies and partners, while deterring potential enemy aggression throughout Europe and the rest of the world.”

The B-1B is a supersonic strategic heavy bomber in service since the 1980s and designed to penetrate Soviet air defenses and deliver nuclear weapons. Of the 100 units produced, approximately 45 are still in use with the US Air Force.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(luc/luc)