Russian Su-27 Intercepts B-52 in Baltics

A Russian Su-27 intercepted a B-52 strategic bomber that was flying over international waters near Russia’s border on Tuesday,reported Reuters. The Russian fighter took off from its Baltic fleet air defense unit based in Kaliningrad, which is located along the Baltic coast between Poland and Lithuania. Three nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale AFB, La., on Tuesday began flying missions in support of the US Navy’s Baltic Operations exercise, commonly referred to as BALTOPS, according to an Air Force release. While in Europe, the bombers also will support the NATO exercise Saber Strike, working alongside Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. "The fact that NATO forces are converging near Russia's borders and carrying out military exercises supported by strategic bombers from the USA capable of carrying nuclear weapons hardly helps de-escalate tensions in Europe," the Russian-backed Sputnik news service, quoted Foreign Ministry official Mikhail Ulyanov, according to the Reuters report. The Air Force did not immediately respond to Air Force Magazine’s request for comment.