Russian bombers patrol Baltic Sea

Two Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers from Soltsy Air Base, escorted by two Su-35S fighter jets, conducted a four-hour training flight over the Baltic Sea on April 20, 2026. The aircraft approached Danish airspace near the island of Bornholm, prompting the Royal Danish Air Force to scramble a pair of F-35A fighter jets to intercept the Russian formation. The incident represents another example of increased Russian military activity in the Baltic region, with NATO forces maintaining close surveillance of such flights. The Russian aircraft completed their mission without entering sovereign airspace, and both sides maintained professional conduct during the intercept.