Russian Su-27 “Photobombed” In Dramatic Intercept Of US Bombers Over Baltic Sea

One month after the US intercepted Russian tactical bombers flying in proximity to Alaska on several occasions, and just four days after Russia returned the favor earlier this week when a Russian Su-27 was scrambled to “accompany” a US B-52 bomber flying over the Baltic Sea, on June 9 a Russian fighter jet was “photobombed” in a series of dramatic photos while intercepting a group of US warplanes, including stealth bombers, over the Baltic Sea during annual military drills over the Baltic Sea, the US Department of Defense said.

Several still photos released by the Defense Department’s DVIDS show a Russian Su-27 intercepting a U.S. Air Force B-52H, 2nd Bomb Wing. Another DVIDS photo captures the Russian plane intercepting a formation of U.S. Air Force aircraft, including two B-1B Lancers, a KC-135R Stratotanker and B-52H Stratofortress

The US Department of Defense released photo footage showing the Russian jet flying alongside American warplanes, conducting an intercept which US officials said was carried out safely.

Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said the intercept was considered “safe and professional.”  There was media on board the refueler so there is expected to be video of the intercept.

On Friday, airmen from the active Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing and the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing helped bring two B-2 Spirit bombers to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. The unique stealth bombers joined B-1 Bones and B-52 Stratofortresses already at the Royal Air Force base, bringing the trio to the same place for only the second time since the creation of Air Force Global Strike Command in 2009. In August 2016, B-2s made a similar surprise appearance at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam after B-1s and B-52s had already touched down on the island outpost.

What is also unique about the “photobomb” is that as the Drive notes, this is the first example of all three of the U.S. Air Force’s heavy bombers in Europe for the first time since at least 2009.

Whether the United States intends for the unusual deployment to be a message to Russia or not, the Kremlin has already taken a keen interest in all the activity.

According to NATO, the BALTOPS exercise takes place from June 7-17, during which time Marines from the US and partner nations “integrate to practice expeditionary, ship-to-shore assaults to enhance their capability to work together as a combined amphibious force.” Along with the multinational amphibious force. the exercise will involve 5,600 troops from air, sea and ground forces across 12 NATO countries (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the US and the UK) as well as Finland and Sweden.

“If you look back in history, it’s not just the U.S. versus anyone else; we always have our Allies, who are on the same page and believes in the same fight, said said Lance Cpl. Joseph M. Hunsaker, machine gun section leader, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “Marines around the world hold themselves to a certain standard; these guys train all the time and are good at what they do and when we come out here it just flows.”

The total force will operate throughout the Baltic Sea to demonstrate air defense, maritime interdiction, and anti-subsurface warfare along with the amphibious operations. “It’s good to come out here and work together and not just talk about it, to see how we train and, if we are called into a situation, know how to operate together. We’re training for when the world needs a 911 force to call on.”

via http://ift.tt/2semXWO Tyler Durden

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