Russian bombers near Portuguese coast
On May 26-27, 2023, two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers flew near the coast of Portugal, causing concern among NATO members. The bombers were reportedly armed with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and were escorted by two Su-27 fighter jets.
The Portuguese government said that the bombers did not enter Portuguese airspace, but flew in international airspace about 100 kilometers (62 miles) off the coast. The government also said that it was monitoring the situation and was in contact with NATO allies.
NATO said that it was aware of the Russian bombers’ flights and that it was monitoring the situation. The alliance said that it was committed to the security of its members and would take all necessary measures to defend them.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said that the bombers were on a planned training mission and that they did not violate any international laws. The ministry also said that the flights were part of a larger exercise that involved other Russian military aircraft and ships.
The flights of the Russian bombers near the coast of Portugal come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and NATO. The two sides have been at odds over a number of issues, including Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The flights of the Russian bombers have also raised concerns about the security of NATO members in the Baltic Sea region. The region is home to a number of NATO members, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The region is also home to a number of Russian military bases.
The flights of the Russian bombers have also raised concerns about the future of the arms control treaty between the United States and Russia. The treaty, known as the New START Treaty, is due to expire in 2026. The treaty limits the number of nuclear warheads that each country can have.
The flights of the Russian bombers have also raised concerns about the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The treaty, which was signed in 1987, banned the development, production, and deployment of ground-launched nuclear missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (310 and 3,417 miles). The treaty was suspended in 2019 by the United States, which accused Russia of violating the treaty.
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