Russian jet scrambles into air as Norwegian plane nears border

A Russian fighter jet scrambled into the air after Russian airspace control detected an approaching Norwegian aircraft over the Barents Sea, reported Xinhua, quoting Russian defense ministry on Wednesday.

The Norwegian plane, identified as a base patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, turned from the state border after the Russian MiG-31 fighter approached, the ministry said in a statement, adding that no border violation was found.

The ministry said the flight of the Russian fighter was carried out "in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters and in compliance with safety measures."