British Navy F-35B Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Tu-95 Bear Bomber Aircraft During NATO Exercise

British Royal Navy F-35B fighters launched from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted a Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber during NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 exercise off Norway, the Royal Navy said. The service described the encounter as proof that the carrier air group can respond to Russian aviation while operating on NATO’s northern flank, and as an example of how embarked fighters complement land-based aircraft for maritime approaches. The Royal Navy disclosed the event on November 6, 2026, after the exercise ended November 5, but did not provide the exact timing or a reliable Russian aircraft designation. The deployment involved 17 nations, 20 warships and 40 aircraft.