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NATO Intercepts Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Over Baltic, French Rafales Join

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

NATO intercepted two Russian Tu-22M3 bombers and about ten escorting fighters over the Baltic Sea, with French Rafale jets joining the response.
French Rafale crews at Šiauliai Air Base ignited engines before NATO scrambled while Lithuania reported four scramble incidents between April 13 and April 19 after Russian planes turned off transponders.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the bombers’ four-hour flight over Baltic waters was scheduled and complied with international airspace rules.

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Story summary

NATO intercepted two Russian Tu-22M3 bombers and about ten escorting fighters over the Baltic Sea, with French Rafale jets joining the response.
French Rafale crews at Šiauliai Air Base ignited engines before NATO scrambled while Lithuania reported four scramble incidents between April 13 and April 19 after Russian planes turned off transponders.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the bombers’ four-hour flight over Baltic waters was scheduled and complied with international airspace rules.