Russians Sent Unique Tu-134UBL (UBKM) Aircraft to Provoke NATO

In early November, NATO aircraft intercepted a rare Russian Tu-134 over the Baltic Sea.

This was reported by the NATO Air Command.

The statement said that Italian Eurofighter Typhoon fighters deployed at Emari airbase in Estonia as part of an air policing mission intercepted several Russian military aircraft and escorted them out of the area.

Among the intercepted air targets was a Tu-134UBL trainer.

Russians sent a unique Tu-134UBL (UBKM) aircraft to provoke NATO

Unlike the standard Tu-134 modification, this version is designed to train Russian air force crews to fly Tu-160 strategic bombers.

In addition, two Su-30 fighters were intercepted.

According to preliminary estimates, the intercepted Tu-134UBL differs from most aircraft of this type and is likely used to transport VIP passengers.

It is likely that this particular aircraft is a modification of the Tu-134UBKM, designed to train the crews of the Russian fleet’s Tu-22s.

There are few such aircraft in Russia – approximately 17 in service, with about 25 more in storage.

Ukraine also once had seven such machines based in Kulbakino and Pryluky.

In late October, it was reported that two Russian planes violated Lithuanian airspace from the Kaliningrad region.

According to the Lithuanian military, a Su-30 fighter jet and an IL-76-based refueling aircraft crossed the border during an aerial refueling exercise.