Three Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers conducted an extensive five-hour exercise on Thursday over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, after taking off from Olenya Air Base in northern Russia.<br /><br />The activity was first reported by OSINT analyst AviVector on his X page.<br /><br />According to the specialist, one of the aircraft acted as a “relay”, ensuring communication between the other two bombers and ground command posts. The mission also involved continuous air cover provided by Su-27 and Su-35S fighters, responsible for securing the airspace throughout the operation.<br /><br />The presence of the Russian bombers in the region triggered a NATO air response. Sweden scrambled JAS 39 Gripen fighters, while Italy deployed Eurofighter Typhoons from bases in Sweden and Estonia.<br /><br />Source and images: X @avivector | Telegram @mod_russia
