Increase in Russian Military Flights Near NATO’s Northern Boundary

Russia has intensified flights of its nuclear-capable bombers and fighter jets near NATO’s northern boundary. Officials believe this is due to concerns in Moscow about Ukraine’s effective long-range drone attacks deep inside Russia and NATO’s growing focus on the Arctic. From January 1 to July 3, 2026, NATO fighter jets were scrambled 62 times due to Russian flights on NATO’s northeastern edge, according to a Norwegian military spokesperson.

In the first half of 2026, Norway has launched more fighter jets and identified more Russian aircraft near its airspace than in any full year since 2021. Scrambling jets when Russian aircraft are detected near NATO airspace is common. However, sophisticated bombers near NATO territory are seen as an intimidation effort, particularly concerning in the Arctic. Here, NATO is wary of China’s growing presence and Russia’s dominance.

Norway shares about 120 miles of border with Russia. Norwegian territory is close to strategic Russian military bases around Murmansk and Severomorsk. These areas host essential strategic nuclear submarines crucial for Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Norway’s military believes Russia’s increased flights result from concerns that Ukraine might target these bases with long-range drones. Ukraine’s drone campaign has targeted Russian military bases and oil facilities, exerting significant pressure on Russia’s economy and air defenses.

NATO fighter jets were scrambled 41 times in 2025, three incidents more than in 2024, with the previous year’s total at 32. In 2022, NATO jets scrambled half a dozen times after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Norwegian military recently reported increased Russian activity in the north, with fighter jets on NATO alert identifying Russian planes heading into the Norwegian Sea daily. These planes often enter the Barents Sea, then fly south into the Norwegian Sea before returning to Russia.

One significant incident occurred on June 22, when Norway scrambled two F-35 jets from Evenes Air Station after spotting Russian Tu-160s and MiG-31s nearing Norwegian airspace. Russia acknowledged the event, stating “fighters from foreign countries” escorted its Tu-160 bombers during a practice flight over the Barents and Norwegian Seas. Footage showed at least one F-35 alongside the Russian aircraft.

Norway operates a “quick reaction alert,” always keeping two F-35s ready to scramble from Evenes within 15 minutes if necessary. Norway typically performs around 40 such missions yearly for NATO. Norway anticipates Russian flights near its airspace will remain high, particularly as NATO increases its Arctic presence.

NATO allies announced the Arctic Sentry initiative to demonstrate Europe and Canada’s ability to defend the northern edge and deter Russia in the Arctic. This initiative followed comments by President Donald Trump, who suggested only the U.S. could secure Greenland. Greenland, a crucial territory for detecting intercontinental ballistic missiles, holds significant strategic value.