Britain said its aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea was repeatedly approached by a Russian patrol aircraft before being escorted away by UK fighter jets, in the latest incident raising concern over a potential escalation between NATO and Russia.

The UK said the incident, which it described as “unsafe and unprofessional,” occurred on July 2 and involved the Russian “Bear-F” maritime patrol aircraft passing at low altitude and “unnecessarily close” to HMS Prince of Wales, part of a carrier strike group.

Britain said the Russian aircraft dropped sonobuoys in close proximity to the carrier, warning that the conduct posed risks to the ship. The UK added that two F-35 fighter jets launched from HMS Prince of Wales were sent to intercept the Russian aircraft until it left the area.

The incident comes ahead of a NATO meeting in Ankara, where members are set to discuss pledges of major military assistance to Ukraine for 2026