The Norwegian Air Force has intercepted 107 Russian aircraft this year

The Norwegian Air Force has intercepted a total of 107 Russian aircraft up to September 29 this year. That is more than twice as many as last year's 53 interceptions, NRK reports.

- These missions are about identifying unidentified aircraft approaching Norway. We have to identify them and at the same time prevent them from entering Norwegian airspace, says Sigurd Tonning-Olsen of the air force to the channel.

Historically speaking, 107 is not a very remarkable number. In 2018, Russian flights were intercepted 100 times and in 2020 the corresponding mission was 96. In connection with the outbreak of the Ukraine war at the beginning of 2022, the number of Russian flights decreased. But this year, an increase has been seen again.

Tonning-Olsen says that the Russian planes were in international airspace when they were intercepted.

- We monitor the types of weapons and ships they use, says Sigurd Tonning-Olsen

In parallel with the Norwegian efforts, other NATO aircraft have been sent up to intercept Russian planes over the Baltic Sea. From September 21 to September 27 this year, a total of five such operations were carried out, according to the Ukrainian site UA News.