Russian and Chinese strategic bombers conduct joint patrol near Alaska

ALASKA:

Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted joint patrols near the US state of Alaska on Thursday.

The maneuver prompted both the United States and Canada to counter with fighter jets. The patrols included Russian Tu-95MS “Bear” bombers and Chinese Xi’an H-6 bombers, covering areas over the Chukchi and Bering Seas and the North Pacific, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that during the five-hour flight, Russian and Chinese crews cooperated throughout the mission. At various points, the air group was accompanied by fighters from other nations. Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets escorted the bombers, and Russia said no foreign airspace was violated.

The US military’s Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese aircraft within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). NORAD clarified that the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territories.

NORAD said Russian and Chinese bomber activities in Alaska’s ADIZ are not considered a threat. Management will continue to monitor such activities and respond accordingly. The joint patrol has reportedly strengthened strategic trust and coordination between the Russian and Chinese militaries, according to a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman.

Both Russia and China said the patrols were part of the 2024 military cooperation plan and were not directed at third countries.

The joint patrol had deepened strategic mutual trust and coordination between the two militaries, a spokesman for China’s defense ministry said.

It had “nothing to do with the current international situation,” Zhang Xiaogang said.

“The event took place within the framework of the implementation of the 2024 military cooperation plan and is not directed against third countries,” Russia said.