NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept.https://t.co/EKg3G30lmW
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) July 24, 2024
The United States military detected and intercepted Russian fighter jets and Chinese bombers near Alaska on July 24, 2024, just before President Biden was set to give his first address from the Oval Office since announcing he would not seek re-election. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that it scrambled fighter jets from both the United States and Canada to intercept two Russian Tu-95 “Bear” bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a press release, NORAD confirmed that it detected, tracked, and intercepted the aircraft in the ADIZ on July 24.
This marks the first time Russia and China have flown a joint bomber patrol off the coast of Alaska.
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement that it had "detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC [Peoples Republic of China] H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on July 24, 2024."
The… pic.twitter.com/3m9iAZjz48
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) July 25, 2024
Joint patrol intercepted near Alaska
NORAD stated, “The Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence.”
For anyone wondering why our allies want Canada to step up and play a leadership role in the Arctic, just look around. https://t.co/mP0XuB6RIM
— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) July 24, 2024
China + Russia visit Alaska to say “Hi.”
Chinese bombers (Xian H-6) and Russian bombers (Tu-95) stayed in the international space but entered Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24.
Why not?
Freedom for everyone! 👍🎉https://t.co/DSpQ0VCyzX
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) July 25, 2024
It has not yet been determined if this activity is related to Biden’s upcoming address to the nation, which will be his first public speech since announcing he will not run for a second term as president. The joint patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft near Alaska underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations, which has been closely monitored by the United States and its allies. The incident also highlights the strategic importance of the Arctic region, where both Russia and China have been increasing their military presence and activities in recent years.
As tensions between the United States, Russia, and China continue to simmer, the interception of the joint bomber patrol serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape and the potential for military confrontations in the region.
