Russia Sends Tu-95MS Bombers to Air Defense Identification Zone in Alaska

Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers flew a 15-hour flight over the Bering Sea, approaching the Alaskan air defense identification zone.

The mission included aerial refueling, as well as escort by Su-35S and Su-30SM combat aircraft, which provided protection for the strategic carriers.

In response, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) raised F-35 and F-16 fighters for interception.

NORAD is a joint defense command of the United States and Canada located in Colorado.

Its mission is to provide aerospace warning, airspace control and defense of North America.

NORAD noted that to respond to such threats, a multilayer defense system was used, which included fighters, satellites, ground-based radars and other surveillance equipment.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the fact that their aircraft were escorted by foreign fighters, emphasizing: “On certain sections of the route, strategic missile carriers were accompanied by fighters of foreign countries.”

The incident was another example of a provocation by Russia near the borders of the United States and Canada.

Last year, NORAD forces already intercepted Russian and Chinese aircraft near Alaska, which also caused concern in the Pentagon.

According to military analysts, Russia’s actions are aimed at testing the readiness of North American defense systems and demonstrating the capabilities of its strategic aviation.

Structurally, the NORAD air defense system consists of a network of ground-based sensors and radars deployed in the United States and Canada, airborne warning systems and combat aircraft.

Combat aircraft include E-3 AWACS long-range radar detection aircraft, Canadian CF-18 fighters, and American F-15, F-16, and F-22.