Norway uses F-35 to intercept Russian MiG-31 near its airspace
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) scrambled an F-35A on a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission for the first time on 7 March, after identifying a Russian MiG-31 near Norwegian airspace.
The MiG-31 was accompanying a Tupolev Tu-95 bomber.
This was the first time that the RNoAF deployed an F-35 for a QRA mission, instead of an F-16.
The F-35 flew from Orland Air Station and located the Russian aircraft in airspace under NATO command, according to Major General Tonje Skinnarland, Chief of the RNoAF.
‘This shows that we have taken major and important steps towards getting [an] operational benefit from the F-35,’ he added.
The Russian aircraft did not enter Norwegian airspace. UK RAF aircraft took over the tracking of the aircraft as they flew on southwards, launching QRA Typhoon aircraft from Lossiemouth and Coningsby.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market]()
JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market
With orders from three countries, 2024 is unlikely to be the last of the export years for the joint Pakistan-Chinese fighter jet.
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
