NATO 'scrambles jets', Kremlin claims, as Putin sends two nuclear-capable missile carriers over Norwegian Sea
- The Kremlin launched two missile carriers to fly over the Norwegian Sea
- NATO scrambled jets in response, Russia has claimed
- Tensions between Russia and the bloc have been steadily rising
NATO has scrambled warplanes to confront a pair of nuclear-capable missile carriers that were seen patrolling the Norwegian Sea today, Russia has claimed.
The Kremlin once again taunted the bloc by launching two TU-95MS planes to patrol the Norwegian Sea, which were escorted by a group of Su35S aircraft.
The five-hour flight also saw 'fighters from foreign countries' accompany the unit, though Moscow did not specify which Wester air forces were deployed. An MoD source told MailOnline that the RAF have not launched any planes in response to the fly-over.
The Norwegian Sea is bordered to the south by Britain - the north of Shetland, to the east by Norway, and to the west by Iceland.
'The flight was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace,' said Lieutenant-General Sergei Kobylash, commander of Russian long-range aviation.
NATO scrambles jets as Russia sends two nuclear missiles over sea
'Long-range aviation pilots regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Black and Baltic Seas.'
The flights come amid warnings from Western politicians and military commanders about the threat of Russia triggering a Third World War in the coming years.
But the UK's overstretched armed forces may be unable to effectively fight in a potential world war, as chronic shortages of troops and equipment are being covered up in a 'veil of secrecy', MPs have warned.
In a damning report released last week, the Defence Select Committee concluded the Army is the UK's 'weakest service' due to 'significant capability deficiencies' – which included drastic shortages of vehicles, tanks and even ammunition.
After facing a wall of silence while compiling their Ready For War report, the MPs urged military top brass and Ministers to be more transparent about the shortcomings so they can be addressed urgently.
The report further highlights war-readiness issues with the Royal Navy's £3.5billion aircraft carriers, too.
Despite spending about £50billion a year on defence, 'sustained ongoing investment' is needed for the UK to fight a 'high-intensity war', the report concludes.
Witnesses told the inquiry that the Armed Forces would struggle in a major conflict, claiming the British Army does not have enough new infantry fighting vehicles, Challenger tanks or adequate missile defence capabilities.
The Royal Navy is suffering from delays to a new frigate programme and an 'over-tasked' aircraft fleet, while the RAF has a shortfall of combat aircraft, delays to new Chinook helicopters and too few pilots.
The heads of the Forces also raised concerns about stockpiles used by Ukraine reducing the amount available to the UK.
The report warned of 'capacity shortfalls', with the MoD admitting to only recruiting five service personnel for every eight who leave.
Earlier this week, Putin told Tucker Carlson that a Russian defeat in the war he unleashed by invading Ukraine is 'impossible' and 'will never happen'.
There is also acute concern in eastern Europe over the prospect of a re-elected Donald Trump downscaling NATO.
Putin told Carlson 'we have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else- why would we?
'We simply have no interest..... It is absolutely out of the question.'
However, he earlier made similar claims about using force to grab Crimea and other areas of Ukraine.
MailOnline has contacted NATO and the UK's Ministry of Defence for comment.
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