Russia has recently sent 10 of its advanced Su-30SM fighter jets to the Kaliningrad region for ‘precision bombing’ exercises. Over-the-Borders military exercises were conducted near NATO member countries’ borders in a strong display of military strength in the area.

The drills were conducted by the Baltic Fleet, which comes under the overall command of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. The aircraft performed coordinated attacks on mock command posts, fortified enemy positions and heavily armoured vehicles during the exercises. During training, the fighter jets would use practice bombs, unguided rockets and cannon fire to achieve their training goals.

The use of this new tactic is an indication of Moscow’s shift to strengthening the offensive capabilities of its air force from Kaliningrad. This highly strategic, heavily militarized Russian enclave is geographically isolated from the Russian mainland, and is located right between two important Western allies: Government of Poland and Government of Lithuania.

The Su-30SM2 is one of the most powerful multi-role fighters that Russia has ever produced. The aircraft features new and updated engines and incredibly advanced strike capabilities for today’s warfare.

The exercises have further intensified the already high military tensions in the region as these aircraft fly with aggressive maneuvers, only a few miles from the western borders. This ambitious step therefore is raising new and immediate questions of long-term security and stability in Central and Northern Europe.