Russian Military Flights Intensify Near NATO’s Arctic Border

Russia has increased the number of flights of its nuclear-capable bombers and fighter jets near NATO’s northern border, according to officials. This escalation comes amid concerns in Moscow about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s long-range drone attacks on targets deep inside Russia.

From January 1 to July 3, 2026, NATO fighter jets were scrambled 62 times due to Russian flights on NATO’s northeastern flank. The Norwegian military’s spokesperson reported that Oslo has scrambled more fighter jets and identified more Russian aircraft near its airspace during the first half of 2026 than during any full year since 2021.

Though NATO countries often scramble jets when Russian aircraft fly close to their airspace, bombers approaching NATO territory are perceived as intimidation tactics. This is especially true in the Arctic, where NATO worries about Russia’s control and an increasing Chinese presence.

Norway shares approximately 120 miles of border with Russia, ending near key Russian military bases around the Arctic cities of Murmansk and Severomorsk. These bases house strategic nuclear submarines, part of Russia’s crucial “second strike” capability, allowing a nuclear attack even after sustaining one.

The Norwegian military attributes the rise in Russian flights to fears in Moscow that Ukraine could target the Kola Peninsula bases with long-range drones. Ukraine has been attacking Russian military sites and oil facilities over 1,000 kilometers from the front lines, straining Russia’s air defenses and economy.

In recent attacks, Ukraine targeted at least four Russian oil refineries, including a major one on Thursday morning. Moscow responded with a massive overnight strike on Kyiv, killing 30 people, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Russian Planes Detected ‘On a Daily Basis’

NATO fighter jets were scrambled 41 times in 2025, slightly more than in 2024 and 2023. In 2022, the year Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, NATO jets were scrambled only half a dozen times.

The Norwegian military spokesperson noted increasing Russian activities in the region, with Norwegian fighter jets identifying Russian planes entering the Norwegian Sea daily. These planes usually fly into the Barents Sea, then proceed south into the Norwegian Sea before returning to Russian bases.

An incident on June 22 saw Oslo scramble two F-35 fighter jets from Evenes Air Station after detecting two Russian Tu-160s and two MiG-31s nearing its airspace. Russia acknowledged the event, saying foreign fighters escorted its Tu-160 bombers during a practice flight.

A quick reaction alert system enables Norway to scramble two F-35s from Evenes at any time, responding to unidentified aircraft within 15 minutes. Norway typically conducts about 40 such missions annually for NATO.

Norway expects high levels of Russian flights due to NATO increasing its Arctic presence. Recently, NATO allies introduced the Arctic Sentry initiative, aiming to demonstrate Europe’s capability to defend the northern edge and deter Russia. This followed concerns caused by President Donald Trump’s assertion the U.S. alone could secure Greenland, a strategic location for intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles.