On Wednesday, 22 October, Russian Tu‑22M3 bombers flew a planned mission over neutral Baltic Sea waters that lasted more than five hours.
Russian Bombers Cross Neutral Baltic Waters
On Wednesday, 22 October, Russian media announced that Tu‑22M3 strategic bombers conducted a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea.
The flight lasted more than five hours and was accompanied by fighters from other states.
Escort Aircraft and Flight Route
Russian officials said the bombers were escorted by Su‑35 and Su‑27 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces at various stages of the journey.
Russian authorities claim the aircraft routinely fly over neutral waters in the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic and Black Seas.
Compliance with International Aviation Rules
The Russian Ministry of Defence reiterated that all such flights are carried out in strict accordance with international regulations governing the use of airspace.
Exercise of Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces
On the same day, Russian media reported that the strategic nuclear forces carried out a training exercise in response to discussions about supplying Ukraine with American Tomahawks.
The Kremlin described the exercise as a “training” and said that Vladimir Putin personally led it.
Multi-Platform Weapon Launches
During the exercise, a missile from the Jars complex was launched from Plesetsk space centre, a missile was fired from a submarine in the Barents Sea, and a Tupolev Tu‑90MS aircraft—potentially able to carry nuclear warheads—fired a missile into the air.
The drills were controlled and coordinated by the National Defence Center, and experts say the display aimed to show that Russia also possesses long‑range missiles.
