The US Air Force has released images showing a Russian fighter jet which had been scrambled to intercept American bombers.

An SU-27, known by its NATO reporting name of "Flanker", was deployed to head off a US B-52H craft, capable of carrying a nuclear weapon, during exercises taking place over the Baltic Sea.

It also intercepted two B-1B Lancers and a KC-135R Stratotanker.

The alliance is currently running its annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise, a multinational, maritime-focused live training event which first began in 1972, in the region close to Russia's border.

A Russian foreign ministry official said the appearance of the B-52H would not ease tensions between the West and Moscow.