Russian and Chinese Strategic Bombers Patrol Near Alaska

Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable bombers patrolled near Alaska, prompting U.S. and Canada to scramble fighter jets. The bombers operated over the Chukchi and Bering seas and the North Pacific. No foreign airspace was violated. NORAD monitored the situation as the patrol enhanced military coordination between Russia and China.

Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted patrols near the U.S. state of Alaska in the North Pacific and Arctic on Thursday, a move that prompted the United States and Canada to scramble fighter jets.

Russian Tu-95MS "Bear" strategic bombers and Chinese Xi'an H-6 strategic bombers participated in the patrols over the Chukchi and Bering seas and the North Pacific, according to Russia's defence ministry. The ministry stated that Russian and Chinese crews cooperated during all stages of the flight, which lasted five hours. No foreign airspace was violated.

The U.S. military's North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that U.S. and Canadian fighter jets intercepted the aircraft in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The aircraft remained in international airspace, and NORAD noted that the activity did not pose a threat. The patrol aimed to deepen strategic mutual trust and coordination between the two militaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)