NATO mobilizes an unprecedented number of aircraft near Russia

As the battle in Ukraine unfolds, NATO allies along the alliance’s eastern flank have collectively embarked on the largest military deployment in modern European history – a state of alert and readiness. On Friday (6), the alliance released an infographic explaining the force deployed in the region bordering Ukraine and Belarus.

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«In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to prevent any possible aggression against allies, NATO is deploying an unprecedented combination of fighter aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, support aircraft,» spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said.

«Spanish planes are monitoring Lithuanian airspace and French surveillance planes are scanning the skies while U.S. bombers are training with allied air forces. NATO has up to 30 patrol aircraft on patrol at all times,» he continued.

Indeed, at any time of the day it is possible to access public flight-tracking tools, such as Radarbox or FlightRadar24, and see NATO aircraft circling around the eastern flank. The planes are purposely visible on these platforms, evidencing that they have not invaded Ukrainian or Belarusian airspace.

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In recent days, Russia has stepped up its rhetoric regarding a possible attack on NATO members. If it does so, the alliance would activate the mutual defense pact, fatally precipitating a world war. Russian threats are always accompanied by the argument that the military alliance is already participating in the war through arms assistance to Ukraine.

The picture below shows the variety of aircraft deployed for missions on the eastern flank.