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Russian pilots flew 100 feet (just over 30 meters) from the front of the B-52 multiple times, causing turbulence in the bomber and thus limiting its maneuverability, according to a report cited by CNN.
“Such actions increase the risk of airborne collisions, are unnecessary and do not comply with good flight practices and international rules,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, commander of the United States Air Force in Europe and Africa.
“As Russian planes flew in international airspace, they compromised the safety of planes flying nearby. “We expect them to act in accordance with international standards for safety and disaster prevention,” he added.
US B-52s capable of carrying nuclear weapons flew over all NATO nations on Friday, in an attempt to show solidarity and strengthen preparedness.
A bomber also flew over Lithuania. He was accompanied by fighters from Spain and the United Kingdom, who are currently carrying out a NATO air police mission in Šiauliai.
National Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis later said that by doing so, the United States “demonstrates commitments of solidarity and collective defense with the Allies and with the Alliance as a whole, and its ability to respond quickly to threats on a global scale.
The US Ambassador to Lithuania, Robertas Gilkrristas, emphasized that the US commitment to the security of Lithuania and other NATO partners is unwavering. This exercise shows that the Alliance remains ready and committed to fulfilling its commitments on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, since 2018, the United States, along with NATO allies, has trained more than 200 B-52 strategic bombers, some of them over Lithuania.
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