On Wednesday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska. This marked the first time the two countries were intercepted while operating together. The bombers remained in international airspace in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and were not considered a threat by NORAD.
The US and Canada, as part of NORAD, intercepted the Russian TU-95 Bear and Chinese H-6 bombers. These aircraft did not enter the sovereign airspace of the US or Canada. This event also marked the first time H-6 bombers, a derivative of older Soviet bombers, entered the Alaska ADIZ.
The intercept was carried out by US F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, along with Canadian CF-18 fighter jets. Support aircraft were also involved in the intercept operation.
China’s Defense Ministry stated that the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted a joint strategic aerial patrol in the Bering Sea airspace as part of an annual cooperation plan. This was the eighth such patrol since 2019, aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries.
The ministry emphasized that the action was not directed at third parties, complied with international laws and practices, and was unrelated to the current international situation.
Russian flights into Alaska’s ADIZ are not uncommon, with previous instances occurring regularly. However, the presence of Chinese aircraft in the region appears to be a new development. US Northern Command had previously noted China's increasing activity in the Arctic region, including potential air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic.
China considers itself a 'near-Arctic' state and has been expanding its presence in the far north, including through cooperation with Russia.
