NATO's top pilots intercepted Russian warplanes over the Baltic Sea and then intercepted another aircraft near Poland.

NATO reported that two French Mirage 2000-5s intercepted a Russian SU-30-M aircraft over the Baltic Sea yesterday. Following that, the French fighters were assigned to a different mission, during which they intercepted a Russian AN-72 aircraft in international airspace north of Poland. 

NATO Intercepts Russian Aircraft Near Baltic Sea

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a direct threat to use nuclear weapons against the West while accusing NATO and the US of planning to attack Russia during his yearly speech to the nation.

On February 12, Russia reported that NATO had scrambled warplanes to intercept a pair of nuclear-capable missile carriers patrolling the Norwegian Sea. The Kremlin provoked the bloc by deploying two TU-95MS planes to patrol the Norwegian Sea, accompanied by a group of Su35S aircraft.

According to Mail Online, the unit was accompanied by fighters from foreign countries during the five-hour flight, although Moscow did not specify which Western air forces were deployed.

Following French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement about the possibility of Western intervention in Ukraine, Russian President Putin criticized NATO and America in his annual address, accusing them of being deceitful in their actions around the world.

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US Air Force Long-Range Bombers Conclude Massive NATO Mission

Meanwhile, long-range bombers that the US Air Force deployed for a joint mission with NATO allies have returned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, according to officials.

The US B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing were sent out from Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, to assist Global Guardian on a particular mission called Vanguard Adler on Feb 29. The mission is taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military actions in Ukraine.

Throughout the mission, the bombers and their crews worked as part of the Bomber Task Force deployment 24-2, participating in strategic opportunities with NATO Allies and partners, coordinating capabilities, and ensuring security commitment in the area of operations, as stated by the Air Force.

The plane took off from Sweden, entered the US Northern Command area, and then landed back at Ellsworth AFB, the permanent station for B-1Bs. The Air Force stated that the goals of the NATO-led mission were to "exercise multinational cooperation, demonstrate collective deterrence, and test air defense capabilities."

To accomplish this, the B-1s operated as a simulated adversary and were intercepted by different NATO fighter aircraft in the Arctic, North Sea, and the Greenland, Iceland, and UK region. All training goals were achieved. Gen. James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command, highlighted the impressive long-range bombers as a strong example of "collective deterrence" during the current tensions in Eastern Europe.

Sweden is not currently a member of NATO, but it has received an invitation to join and is on track to become a full member soon. This indicates a rise in the country's engagement with NATO's military structures and operations. The US regularly sends troops to offer essential training to NATO allies and its partners.

The B-1B Lancer is a versatile bomber manufactured by Boeing, featuring a General Electric engine. This aircraft can reach speeds exceeding 900 mph and is valued for its capability to launch long-range weapons. It was constructed with the purpose of infiltrating Soviet air defenses in case of a nuclear conflict, Fox News reported.

Related Article: Putin Accuses NATO, US of Preparing to Attack Russia, Threatens Nuclear Response If Western Troops Deploy in Ukraine