Intercepts Russian jets near aircraft carrier with listening devices found

Interceptions of Russian jets near the aircraft carrier with listening devices were reported after two Russian “Bear F” maritime patrol aircraft approached HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea. Britain’s Ministry of Defence said the aircraft repeatedly neared the carrier strike group last week, describing the maneuver as “unsafe and unprofessional,” according to Politico. The ministry added that the Russian aircraft deployed numerous sonobuoys around HMS Prince of Wales. Sonobuoys are underwater listening devices used to detect and monitor submarines, and the carrier is noted as the first European aircraft carrier to conduct NATO air defence operations equipped with F-35 jets. The interception was followed by escorting the Russian aircraft with F-35 jets on 2 July, as reported by Express. HMS Prince of Wales had deployed to support NATO partners in the Arctic Circle but, after leaving from Glen Mallan jetty in Loch Long, was reportedly forced to dock in Norway for maintenance, delaying planned commemorations for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.