US fighter jets have intercepted two Russian bombers near Alaska. The Tu-95 bombers flew into Alaska’s so-called Air Defense Identification Zone Monday, North American Air Defense Command Norad said Tuesday. Two F-16 fighter jets then intercepted the two bombers.
The Russian planes were in international airspace at the time and had not entered US or Canadian airspace, Norad emphasized. The Russian approach is not considered a “threat” or “provocative”.
This is an air defense identification zone
An air defense identification zone is a vast area outside a country’s airspace where aircraft movements are detected to give more time to react in the event of a potential attack.
The North American Air Defense Command said it has “routinely” observed foreign aircraft in the area and has escorted them “if necessary.” It is relatively common for Russian aircraft to be intercepted in the region.
Relations between the US and Russia are currently extremely tense due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) has repeatedly raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons. (AFP/euc)