A Belgian Air Force tweet stated: Today two @BeAirForce #F16 of #NATOs #BAP mission intercepted two Russian #TU160 Blackjack and two Russian #SU27 Flanker above the Baltic Sea.It was the first scramble for the Belgian detachment which is safeguarding the Baltic airspace since the 3rd of september. #WeareNATO

Belgium has deployed a total of four F-16AM Vipers to Lithuanias Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, where they operate along F-16s belonging to the Royal Danish Air Force.

In addition, four Czech Grippen aircraft operate out of Amari airbase in Estonia.

A blog on the Aviationist website, which is monitoring the situation, said: While Tu-160s have been intercepted by NATO jets in the Baltic region previously, its at least worthy of note that the last close encounter with the Blackjack strategic bomber dates back to two months ago: on July 16, 2019, two Tu-160s flew in international airspace over the Baltic Sea prompting scrambles from Finland, Sweden and Denmarks QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) cells.

Dubbed the White Swan, the Tu-160 holds a number of records for speed in its weight class.

It remains the largest, fastest strategic bomber in operation, second only to the developmental US built XB-70 Valkyrie in size, weight and performance.

The post added: It is also the worlds largest variable-geometry swept wing aircraft, larger and heavier than the US B-1B Lancer supersonic variable-swept wing bomber.

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RAF jets were also deployed in April after Tu-160s approached UK airspace.

A RAF spokesman said: We can confirm that RAF quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled to monitor two Blackjack bombers while they were in the UK area of interest.

At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace.

Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda, who was elected last year, met with NATO and EU officials earlier this month.

He said: NATO has always been the safeguard of Lithuanias security and defence.

We are grateful for the commitment of the allies to defend and protect Lithuania and the Baltic States, as well as for the strengthening of the armed forces and the Baltic air police mission.

Excerpt from:

Russia threat: F-16s intercept Russia bombers over Baltic - as Lithuania ups NATO spending - Express.co.uk