In a display of strength and aerial surveillance, four Russian military aircraft, including two Tu-95MS bombers, were intercepted by the United States Air Force as they entered the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of Alaska on May 2, 2024.
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The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the operation, clarifying that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not pose a direct threat to American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
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NORAD, in a statement, emphasized that such approaches are frequent and continuously monitored, not constituting an imminent threat. The presence of Russian aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ is part of regularly monitored air defense activities.
A video captured aboard one of the Tu-95MS bombers and released by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti showed details of the interception. The footage reveals that the bombers were escorted by Russian Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters, highlighting the complexity and scale of the operation.
During the 11-hour mission over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea, near the western coast of Alaska, the Tu-95MS were accompanied by these armed fighters. At certain points, fighters from foreign countries, including an F-16C from the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) at Eielson Air Force Base, joined the escort.
The 18th FIS, formerly known as the Aggressor Squadron and recently redesignated, focuses on air defense missions. This squadron has complemented the F-22 with F-16s in Quick Reaction Alert roles since late 2022, underscoring the strategic role of the unit in regional air security.
Interestingly, the released video shows an F-16C in a typical aggressor paint scheme, armed with AIM-120D AMRAAM, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missiles, and an Advanced Targeting Pod (Sniper ATP), being pursued by a Russian Su-35S equipped with R-73A AAMs. The footage also captures a Su-30SM, similarly armed.
This incident illustrates the ongoing tension and power dynamics in the airspace near Alaska, highlighting the importance of continuous surveillance operations and the quick response capability of the United States Air Force.
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Photo and video: Reproduction Telegram / mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
