Russian Bombers Spotted Flying Near Alaska

(TotalConservative.com) – Russian military aircraft were detected flying in international airspace off the coast of Alaska on February 6. In a press release from NORAD, the military said that the four Russian military aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) while remaining in international airspace.

The press release added that the Russians regularly engage in these kinds of flights and they were not perceived as a threat. It described the ADIZ as a zone that extends beyond American airspace where any craft entering must be identified for reasons of national security.

NORAD highlighted their use of satellites, ground and air-based radar systems, and fighter jets to defend North America.

Reuters confirmed that the jets were Russian by sharing statements from the Kremlin. The report said that the two TU-95MC bombers were escorted by two SU-30SM fighter jets and flew for roughly 9 hours, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Lt. Gen. Sergei Kobylash gave comments saying that the flight was strictly in line with international rules.

Russia President Vladimir Putin revived the practice of regular air patrols outside of Russian territory in 2007.

Earlier in May 2023, U.S. fighter jets were deployed to intercept six Russian aircraft that were flying in the same area. At the time, NORAD said the aircraft were TU-95 bombers, IL-78 tankers, and SU-35 fighter jets. There were large scale training exercises happening in Alaskan airspace and in the Pacific Ocean at the time.

NORAD similarly did not consider them a threat but sent F-16s, F-22s, KC-135 Stratotankers and E-3 AWACS to intercept them.

Additionally, U.S. aircraft intercepted Russian aircraft in April and February last year.

Tensions are higher than ever between the U.S. and Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Biden and the Democrats have been sounding the alarm over Ukraine possibly losing the war if they aren’t immediately given additional funding. U.S. politicians seem largely done with giving money to Ukraine after a recent border proposal which included $60 billion for Ukraine failed to make it out of the Senate.