Two Russian Strategic Bombers Approached Alaska, Reports Reuters

Russia announced on Wednesday that two of its Tu-95MC strategic bombers conducted a flight over waters close to Alaska, emphasizing that they remained within international airspace.

The Tu-95s, referred to as Bears by NATO, were in the air for approximately nine hours, accompanied by SU-30SM fighter jets. The flight path included the Bering and Chukchi Seas, as reported by Russia’s defense ministry.

Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, Commander of Russian long-range aviation, stated that the mission was executed in strict adherence to international airspace regulations.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the detection of four Russian military aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). NORAD clarified in a statement that the Russian aircraft did not enter either American or Canadian sovereign airspace.

In 2007, President Vladimir Putin reinstated the Soviet-era practice of conducting regular patrols with strategic bombers beyond Russia’s borders.

The Tu-95, featuring contrarotating propellers, serves as Russia’s equivalent to the American B-52 bomber.