Russian bombers cause minor scare

Norwegian and British fighters scrambled to intercept eight Russian bombers that neared the Nordic country’s territory, defense officials said.

The Tu-95 strategic bombers rounded Norway’s northern tip over the Barents Sea and flew south over the North Atlantic before turning back, Norwegian Defense officials said. The Russian planes stayed within international airspace.

Norway did not see the increased activity as a threat “but a signal that Russia wants to be taken seriously by the West,” Norwegian Deputy Defense Minister Espen Barth Eide said.

British Defense officials said four Royal Air Force fighters scrambled to monitor the flight.