Story perspectives

NATO Launches First Carrier-Based Patrols, F-35Bs Intercept Russian Aircraft

7/6/2026

Center

F-35Bs Patrol

F-35B jets launched NATO air-defence patrols from HMS Prince of Wales off Iceland, marking the alliance’s inaugural carrier-based NATO patrols.
Two Russian Bear F patrol aircraft were intercepted by F-35Bs near the carrier in Norwegian Sea on July 2 and escorted away.
Operation FIRECREST’s carrier strike group includes HMS Duncan, RFA Tidespring, Merlin helicopters and 1,500 crew.
NATO says Iceland’s airspace is for tracking Russian aircraft from Kola and called approach unsafe.

Left

UK Defence Responds

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge warned defence spending would force welfare cuts, framing the carrier incident as a political test.
Two F-35B jets intercepted and escorted a Russian Bear-F patrol aircraft near HMS Prince of Wales in Norwegian Sea on July 2.
The UK sanctioned Russian scientists who created Novichok nerve agent and Epibatidine toxin, citing concerns.
The Ministry of Defence called the low-altitude approach and sonobuoy deployment unsafe and unprofessional.

History

Historical Context

During the Cold War, U.S. carriers such as the USS Enterprise routinely intercepted Soviet Tu-95 “Bear” bombers in NATO exercises like Northern Wedding, sending out pairs of Bears that F-14 Tomcats escorted away. After Russia resumed strategic flights in 2007, NATO forces continued to shadow the bombers, and on 2 July NATO fighters intercepted a Russian Bear F over the GI UK gap, underscoring carrier-based air-defence.

1 of 3

F-35Bs Patrol

F-35B jets launched NATO air-defence patrols from HMS Prince of Wales off Iceland, marking the alliance’s inaugural carrier-based NATO patrols.
Two Russian Bear F patrol aircraft were intercepted by F-35Bs near the carrier in Norwegian Sea on July 2 and escorted away.
Operation FIRECREST’s carrier strike group includes HMS Duncan, RFA Tidespring, Merlin helicopters and 1,500 crew.
NATO says Iceland’s airspace is for tracking Russian aircraft from Kola and called approach unsafe.

1 / 3