The Guardian: Nato reports surge in jet interceptions as Russia tensions increase
In Europe, over the Aegean and in the Asia-Pacific region, interceptions are ‘almost routine’ but the sheer volume of incidents risks escalation.
World powers are reporting surges in airspace violations and instances where aircraft are scrambled to intercept foreign jets, amid a sharp rise in geopolitical tensions in Europe and Asia.
Nato member aircraft were forced to conduct more than 500 scrambles over Europe in 2014 – a fourfold increase on the previous year. Nearly 85% of these were to intercept Russian aircraft. This year, there have already been more than 300 scrambles, according to data provided by Nato to the Guardian. These are some of the highest numbers since the end of the cold war.
Russia alleges that Nato sorties near its borders doubled last year. Nato called the claim “deliberately vague”.
Update #1: NATO Jet Interceptions Increase: Russian Planes Responsible For Bulk Of Airspace Violations, Members Say -- IBTimes
Update #2: NATO Fighter Jets Intercept Record Numbers of Russian Aircraft at End of July -- Washington Free Beacon
Update #3: Jet interceptions: why are airspace violations on the rise? -- The Week
WNU Editor: I do not expect this trend to slow down for the remainder of this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment