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US B-52 bombers conduct historic patrol over Finland amid rising tensions with Russia

Monday 22nd 2024 on 13:53 in  
Norway

Two American B-52 bombers flew south from Norway into Finland’s Lapland region on Sunday, accompanied by three tanker aircraft. This operation was part of a training mission coordinated with allied countries, according to Finland’s Ministry of Defense. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen described the event as “normal activity conducted within a NATO territory,” emphasizing its focus on deterrence and defense.

As the B-52s approached the Russian border over the Barents Sea, two Russian fighter jets took off. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the bombers altered their course upon noticing the approaching aircraft. Yle reported that the U.S. bombers did not violate Russian airspace.

Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses are long-range, eight-engine jet bombers that have notable historical use, such as during the Vietnam War. These bombers can carry air-launched cruise missiles and are outfitted to carry nuclear weapons, though none were involved in the recent patrols over Finland.

This incident is unprecedented, as American B-52 bombers have never flown over Finland before, despite years of exercises in other Nordic countries like Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Finland joined NATO in April, prompting expectations for U.S. B-52 operations in the region.

Bjørnar Moxnes, the foreign and defense spokesperson for the Red Party, argued that these missions escalate tension with Russia, contradicting decades of Norwegian policy aimed at maintaining low tension in the North. He cited historical bases policy from 1949 and expressed concern that this could transform Northern Norway into a military gathering area.

The Norwegian Defense Forces clarified that they were not directly involved in the flight, highlighting that U.S. activities have not increased recently despite a general uptick in northern activity since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Source 
(via nrk.no)