Russia scrambled its Tu-22M3 bomber and MiG-31 fighters armed with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles in response to Sweden's decision to join NATO

Sweden's accession to NATO was not well received by Russia, according to the Defense Romania portal. The Russian Armed Forces sent a Tu-22M3 bomber and MiG-31 fighters armed with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles on a deterrence flight. We remind you of the capabilities of Russian weapons.

Shortly after NATO's show of force (when alliance aircraft appeared over Stockholm), the Russians responded in "their characteristic style," the report said.

The Russian Long-Range Aviation Command sent a Tu-22M3 bomber and MiG-31s over the Baltic Sea, accompanied by Su-30s and Su-35s. The show of Russian force also included aerial refueling. The flights carried out by the Russians "were carried out in accordance with international regulations on the use of airspace."

Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea

The Tu-22M3 bomber is one of the aircraft that appeared over the Baltic Sea. Nicknamed Backfire (in NATO code), the aircraft was manufactured by the Kazan Aircraft Production Association and was designed as a fast bomber capable of carrying weapons on long-range flights. This task is facilitated by its specific design feature, namely variable-geometry wings.

The Tu-22M3 has a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h and a cruising speed of 900 km/h. The operational ceiling of this bomber, capable of carrying a payload of up to 24 tons, is 14 km, and its maximum range is 7,000 km. The Tu-22M3 can be armed with Kh-15, Kh-22, and modern Kh-47M2 Kinzhal maneuverable missiles. The ammunition can be equipped with nuclear warheads.

In addition to the aforementioned bomber, the Russians scrambled MiG-31s, which - as we read - were to carry hypersonic missiles. The aforementioned aircraft are designs that can reach speeds of 2.8 Ma and are capable of operating at an altitude of 25 km. Additionally, they can cover a single range of up to 3,000 km, while carrying one of the most advanced Russian weapons - the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles. It was with them that the deterrence flight over the Baltic Sea was carried out.

Let us recall that this is a weapon that poses a real threat not only to Ukraine, but also to areas 2,000 km away from the launch site of the missile. This is the range of the hypersonic Kinzhal. The Kh-47M2 is said to travel at a speed of about 8 Ma, making it a difficult target to intercept, although - as the Ukrainians have shown - it is not impossible.