A Show of Force in the North Pacific
In a coordinated display of military prowess, Russian and Chinese nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted joint patrols near the U.S. state of Alaska on Thursday. This strategic maneuver in the North Pacific and Arctic regions prompted a swift response from the United States and Canada, scrambling fighter jets to intercept the formations.
Tu-95MS and Xian H-6 Bombers Lead the Patrol
The patrols featured Russian Tu-95MS “Bear” strategic bombers flying in formation with Chinese Xian H-6 strategic bombers. These aircraft traversed the Chukchi and Bering seas, demonstrating a new level of cooperation between the two nations in joint aerial operations.
International Airspace Respected
While the patrols were escorted by Russian fighter jets, both countries affirmed that no foreign airspace was violated. The U.S. military’s North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the intercept of the Russian and Chinese aircraft within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), emphasizing that the foreign aircraft remained in international airspace.
Strategic Implications and Denials
China’s defense ministry spokesperson characterized the joint patrols as deepening strategic mutual trust and coordination between the two militaries. Both nations asserted that the exercise was not targeted at any third country and was part of a pre-planned military cooperation agenda for 2024, unrelated to the current geopolitical landscape.
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