US and Canadian fighters intercept Russian and Chinese military aircraft near Alaska
Russian Tu-95MS aircraft (photo: Getty Images)
American and Canadian fighter jets intercepted several Russian and Chinese bombers off the coast of Alaska, according to a tweet from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) clarified today that the incident occurred yesterday, July 24.
NORAD reported that it detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 military aircraft and two Chinese H-6 bombers.
These military aircraft from Russia and China operated within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
"NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)," the statement said.
NORAD added that the actions of the Russian and Chinese military aviation were not considered a threat.
"NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept," the North American aerospace defense authority explained.
It is noted that Chinese H-6 aircraft are licensed copies of the Soviet Tu-16 bombers.
Note: NORAD is a unique binational command between the US and Canada.
It employs a multi-layered defense network of satellites, ground and airborne radar, and fighter jets operating in seamless coordination to detect and track aircraft.
Previously, it was reported that a year ago, in August 2023, US air defense detected the approach of four Russian military aircraft near Alaska. Earlier, in April, American fighter jets also intercepted two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers off the coast of Alaska.
