Fighter jets from three different nations were scrambled after Russian Tu-22M bombers were detected over the Baltic Sea, reportedly carrying training supersonic cruise missiles. The interception began with Finnish F/A-18 Hornets, which escorted the bombers initially. The task was then handed over to Dutch F-35A Lightning II aircraft, currently stationed in Estonia. The operation concluded with Swedish Gripen fighters continuing the escort.
Intercepting Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea is a routine task, but this incident stood out as the bombers were visibly armed. Each Tu-22M3 was reportedly carrying one Kh-22 or Kh-23 missile. These large missiles can reach speeds exceeding Mach 4 and have a range of up to 600 kilometers, capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.
The upgraded version of the Kh-22, designated the Kh-32, was introduced into service in 2016. This model features an improved guidance system and a rocket engine that reduces weight by nearly halving the explosive warhead. While both variants share a largely identical external design, the Kh-22 is distinguishable by its longer radar system, which is visible in the photos. Based on the black band markings, the missiles appear to be training models. Nevertheless, the presence of these training munitions is unusual and carries a significant symbolic message.
Russian forces have extensively used Kh-22/32 missiles during the war in Ukraine. Operating in tandem, the Tu-22 bombers and the Kh-22/32 missiles form an integrated system similar to the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress and its air-launched cruise missile, the AGM-86 (ALCM). The warheads of the Kh-22 and Kh-32 variants surpass the payload capacity of the Kh-101 missile carried by Tu-95 bombers, and their stockpiles are more abundant than those of the hypersonic “Kinzhal” missiles.
Accompanying the Russian bombers were two Su-27 fighter jets. These aircraft were armed with air-to-air missiles, a standard configuration for self-defense and escort roles. One of the jets also displayed the “Z” marking on its fuselage, a symbol adopted by Russian forces following the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense issued an official statement regarding the flight, describing it as a planned and routine operation conducted in international airspace. According to the statement, the mission lasted over five hours, with all international regulations governing the use of airspace reportedly observed.
Last week, NATO countries accused Russian military aircraft of flying without transponders. This practice can make it more difficult for air traffic controllers to fully monitor and identify aircraft, posing a potential safety risk in crowded airspace. In such cases, NATO aircraft conducting interceptions and escorting Russian planes may rely on their own transponders and communication systems to keep air traffic controllers informed.
Source: theaviationist
