Post by UK Ministry of Defence

While operating in the Norwegian Sea on Operation FIRECREST, the UK's Carrier Strike Group was approached repeatedly by a Russian 'Bear-F' maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft flew unnecessarily close to HMS Prince of Wales, dropped multiple sonobuoys nearby, and failed to respond on international safety frequencies. This activity was unsafe and unprofessional. Two UK F-35s from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted and escorted the aircraft until it left the area. The Carrier Strike Group continues to operate with NATO allies in the High North, reinforcing security across the Arctic and North Atlantic.