Russian bombers intercepted near Alaska in routine patrol operation
The Americans detected two Russian Tu-95MS bombers off the western coast of Alaska. The planes were intercepted and escorted by an American F-16, as seen in the video published by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
5 May 2024 11:33
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that it detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.
The American command emphasizes that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter the airspace of America or Canada. It was added that this type of Russian activity off the coast of Alaska "occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat".
Americans do not report what steps they took after detecting the Russian bombers. However, in the video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, an American F-16 plane can be seen intercepting and escorting the Russian aircraft.
"The video material shows an F-16C from the 18th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron) stationed at Eielson Air Force Base" - reports The Aviationist. The portal adds that although it is not visible in the film, a second American aircraft certainly took part in the operations, as these types of missions are conducted in pairs.
Russia: fighters from other countries also participated in the flight
The Russians admitted that "two strategic missile-carrying Tu-95MS of the Russian Air Force carried out a planned flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea, near the western coast of Alaska".
The flight lasted more than 11 hours. In addition to the two bombers, Su-30 fighter crews participated in the flight. "At some stages of the route, they were accompanied by fighters from other countries" - it was added.
"Long-range aviation pilots regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Black and Baltic Seas, and the Pacific Ocean. All flights of Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft are conducted in strict compliance with international rules for the use of airspace" - states the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Many reports provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such statements are part of the information war waged by the Russian Federation.
