Analysis: there have been reports of recent incursions of Russian bombers like the Tupolev TU–95 in airspace controlled by Ireland

There have been a number of recent incursions into Irish controlled airspace by the Russian air force. Most recently Tupolev TU–95, the so called “Bear” strategic bomber aircraft, triggered UK Royal Air Force fighter jets to scramble in order to confront the Russian aircraft. Reliable sources indicate that there is an agreement between the UK and Ireland permitting the Royal Air Force to enter Irish airspace if deemed necessary, though the specific nature of this arrangement is not clear.

Like much of Russia’s current military equipment, the Tupolev bombers are quite old, having come into service in the early 1950s. Although it is the only propeller powered bomber still in operational use today, it is far from obsolete and, like the United States B-52 bomber, it is planned to be in service for some time to come.