US intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers off Alaska

Planes did not breach airspace during joint operation’

- ALEXANDER BUTLER

US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable bombers after they were detected near Alaska.

The Russian Tu-95MS “Bear” strategic bombers and Chinese Xi’an H-6 bombers were spotted in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zofne (Adiz) – but did not enter US or Canadian airspace, US authorities said. It comes after Chinese and Belarusian troops joined forces for a joint military drill near its border with Nato member Poland earlier this month.

“The Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace,” the US said. “This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska Adiz is not seen as a threat, and Norad will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence,” it added.