World
NORAD Intercepts Russian and Chinese Bombers Near Alaska
NORAD has successfully intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers near Alaska, showcasing its vigilance and readiness in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. Discover the details behind this critical defense operation and its implications.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) recently reported the interception of four Russian and Chinese bombers operating near Alaska. In a statement released on Wednesday, NORAD, a joint military command between the United States and Canada, clarified that the aircraft remained within international airspace and did not intrude into the sovereign territories of either nation. The organization stated, “This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ [Air Defense Identification Zone] is not seen as a threat. NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and will respond with presence.”
On Thursday, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that both Russian and Chinese military aircraft participated in joint air patrols over the waters of the Chukchi, Bering, and North Pacific seas. The ministry emphasized that the maneuvers strictly adhered to international law, asserting there were no violations of the airspace belonging to other nations.
The aerial group comprised Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers from the Russian Aerospace Forces and H-6K strategic bombers from the Chinese Air Force, accompanied by Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets. The joint mission extended over five hours, during which foreign fighter jets provided escort, although further details about these foreign aircraft were not disclosed.
This coordinated air patrol was part of a broader military cooperation agenda between Russia and China for 2024, with both nations asserting that the exercise was not directed against any third countries. China’s Ministry of Defence echoed this sentiment, stating that the joint strategic air patrols were conducted according to an annual military engagement plan that was unrelated to the current international situation.
This development comes on the heels of a joint military exercise conducted by naval forces from China and Russia, which commenced just days after NATO allies labeled Beijing as a “decisive enabler” of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.