UK F-35s intercept Russian aircraft that dropped sonobuoys near carrier in Norwegian Sea
British F-35 fighters intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft that flew dangerously close to HMS Prince of Wales and dropped sonobuoys in the Norwegian Sea on 2 July, the UK Ministry of Defence said.
The encounter
On 2 July, while operating in the Norwegian Sea as part of Operation Firecrest, the UK Carrier Strike Group centred on HMS Prince of Wales was repeatedly approached by a Russian Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft passed at low altitude and unnecessarily close to the carrier, then dropped a large number of sonobuoys (underwater listening devices used to detect submarines) in close proximity. The Ministry of Defence described the manoeuvre as "unsafe and unprofessional". The Russian aircraft did not respond to radio contact attempts.
The Bear-F passed at low altitude and unnecessarily close to HMS Prince of Wales and dropped a large number of sonobuoys in close proximity to the carrier. This activity was unsafe and unprofessional.
The response
Two British F-35 Lightning jets launched from the carrier intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it out of the area. The incident ended without further escalation. The MoD disclosed the event on 6 July, four days later. Some reports indicated that two Russian planes were involved, though the official statement referred to a single aircraft. One report said ten sonobuoys were dropped.
NATO's Arctic posture
The encounter took place during NATO's Arctic Sentry mission, launched in February 2026 to strengthen the alliance's presence in the High North. The mission was also intended to ease tensions with the United States over Greenland, according to French media. The UK recently assumed command of NATO's Allied Special Operations Forces, a rapid-reaction unit capable of deploying worldwide within days.
- NATO launches Arctic Sentry mission to strengthen presence in the High North
- Russian Bear-F aircraft approaches HMS Prince of Wales, drops sonobuoys, and is intercepted by UK F-35s
- UK Ministry of Defence publicly reveals the incident
Putin's yacht and pressure
The incident coincided with reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin's £100 million superyacht was sailing along the Norwegian coast back to Russia. Asked whether HMS Prince of Wales was tracking the vessel, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis declined to confirm but said, "We know where it is." He added that the yacht's movement was "another indicator of pressure on Putin."
We know where it is.
