The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian Tu-95 “Bear” bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers flying near Alaska on Wednesday. This event marked the first time Russian and Chinese bombers have been intercepted together in the region, signaling an unprecedented joint operation between the two nations.
The bombers were detected within Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) but remained in international airspace, never breaching U.S. or Canadian territorial boundaries. The interception was carried out by U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, supported by Canadian CF-18 fighters and additional support aircraft. NORAD reported that the presence of the bombers did not pose an immediate threat.
New video shows the U.S. intercepting Chinese and Russian bombers off the coast of Alaska. NORAD says the planes were not seen as a threat.
More: https://t.co/tFWIGDtLR4 @DempseyReports pic.twitter.com/YHQU4jNB1d
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) July 25, 2024
This joint patrol over the north Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea is part of a series of military collaborations between Russia and China, which have been increasing in frequency and complexity. This instance is particularly notable as it is the first time Chinese H-6 bombers have entered the Alaska ADIZ.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the interception, underscoring that such activities are anticipated and that the U.S. military is always ready to respond. He expressed concern over the deepening military ties between Russia and China, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both Russian and Chinese officials stated that the patrols were routine and not directed at any third party, asserting their compliance with international norms.
.@NORADCommand employed a layered defense network of fighter aircraft, satellites, and ground-based and airborne radars in seamless interoperability to detect, track, and intercept two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska ADIZ on July 24, 2024. pic.twitter.com/YvG1cu31Ni
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) July 25, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
