Recent Russian Military Activity Near Alaska
Moscow confirmed its hulking ‘Bear’ strategic bombers “appeared near the coast of Alaska” on an 11-hour flight over the Bering Sea. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Telegram that two of their nuclear bombers flew off the western coast of Alaska on Thursday (May 2). US fighter jets were scrambled as the two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers came face-to-face with American warplanes.
Russian Bombers’ Flight Details
Moscow said its hulking ‘Bear’ strategic bombers “appeared near the coast of Alaska” on an 11-hour flight over the Bering Sea. “At certain stages the missile carriers were accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries,” the Russian defence ministry admitted.
International Response and NORAD Confirmation
It was not clear which other foreign nation dispatched its fighter jets to intercept Russian bombers but media reports suggest it could be Canada, because of its proximity to Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed Thursday the planes remained in international airspace.
About Tu-95 Bombers
The Tu-95 fleet is a traditional asset in Russia’s nuclear armory but the planes have also been used to launch deadly missile strikes inside Ukraine in the ongoing war. They were introduced some 70 years ago but still remain a mainstay of the Russian nuclear force.
US-Russia Standoff Over Alaska
The recent US-Russia showdown over Alaska comes as Russia fumes over renewed $61 billion American military aid to Ukraine. The US said last week it will send a massive security package to the war-torn nation including badly needed air defense systems and artillery rounds.
