The pair of Tu-95MS bombers that on Monday flew north of Finnmark region had empty external pylons for cruise missiles under the wings. For Norway, though, the growing concern is not only Russia’s cruise missiles, but the more advanced short-range ballistic missiles, like the Iskander-M and Kinzhal. Weapons that can hit targets up north within minutes.
Russia’s Northern Fleet fighter jets escorted the long-range bombers from Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula as the planes headed west over the Barents Sea. These are the very same bombers that frequently fly south to launch cruise missiles against targets in Ukraine.
Although Norway have very limited protection up North against low flying Russian cruise missiles, such weapons can be taken down. The war in Ukraine shows the importance of anti-missile defense.
The Storting, Norway’s Parliament, on Tuesday unanimously approved the long-term Defence Plan which stipulates a doubling of Surface-to-Air missile system. Domestically developed NASAMS will be improved to better take down drones and missiles.
New in this plan is long-range air defence against Russia’s short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM). That is weapons practically flying via space before half-steering, falling down at a target in supersonic speed. Läs artikel