Joint Russian and Chinese Bomber Patrols Near Alaska Prompt U.S. and Canadian Fighter Jet Response

 

In a significant development, the U.S. military intercepted several Russian and Chinese bombers in international airspace near the coast of Alaska. Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers entered what is known as the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The aircraft were detected, tracked, and subsequently intercepted by U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, along with Canadian CF-18s and other support aircraft. Importantly, this marks the first time ever that Russian and Chinese aircraft have jointly entered the Alaska ADIZ, and it’s also the first time Chinese H-6s have encroached off Alaska.

While the Alaska ADIZ is considered part of international airspace, it requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security. NORAD emphasized that the activity from the Russian and Chinese bombers was not seen as a direct threat. However, this incident underscores the escalating military activity in the Arctic region, where Russia has been ramping up operations, including tests of advanced hypersonic missiles. Canada, too, has announced plans to acquire new submarines capable of traveling under sea ice to bolster defense in its vast Arctic coastal region. Meanwhile, China continues to expand its underwater fleet, and Russian submarines collect intelligence in Arctic waters.