July 25, 2024
2 mins read

Russian, Chinese bombers intercepted near Alaska

The incident underscores evolving dynamics in Arctic security, where traditional players like Russia are joined by newer entrants such as China…reports Asian Lite News

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a US defence official.

NORAD confirmed that the aircraft, comprising two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers, were flying within the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over Alaska, strictly in international airspace and were “not seen as a threat”.

The intercept, carried out by US F-16 and F-35 fighters alongside Canadian CF-18 jets, remained focused on ensuring the aircraft did not breach US or Canadian sovereign airspace. NORAD emphasised that such encounters are not uncommon with Russian TU-95s, which have made routine flights into Alaska’s ADIZ, as witnessed in a previous incident involving four Russian aircraft in May.

However, the inclusion of Chinese bombers in this scenario represents a notable development. The H-6 bombers, modernised versions of older Soviet models, were identified entering Alaska’s ADIZ for the first time during this event, according to CNN.

The Chinese have shown increasing interest in expanding their presence into the Arctic region, said Gen Gregory Guillot of US Northern Command during a Senate hearing earlier this year. He had anticipated such developments, citing China’s strategic moves northward and their growing involvement in Arctic affairs, often under the guise of scientific or technical missions but with clear military implications.

“What I have seen is a willingness and a desire by the Chinese to act up there,” Guillot told a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We have seen them in the maritime. We have seen them under the cloud of a technical or scientific research, but we think it is certainly multi-mission, to include military. And then I expect to see air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic as soon as this year, potentially.”

“It is a very big concern of mine,” he said.

The incident underscores evolving dynamics in Arctic security, where traditional players like Russia are joined by newer entrants such as China, whose strategic ambitions extend beyond maritime activities into aerial operations.

While NORAD reiterated that the recent intercept did not escalate into a security breach, it highlights ongoing vigilance in monitoring international airspace near sensitive zones, CNN reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Quits Re-election Campaign to “Pass the Torch”

Previous Story

Estonia, US defence chiefs discuss NATO and Ukraine support

Next Story

Australia Sanctions Israel Amid West Bank Tensions

Latest from -Top News

Uyghurs Face ‘More Repression, No Relief’

CFU stressed that, instead of addressing the UN’s recommendations, Beijing has escalated its repression…reports Asian Lite News On August 31, 2025, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) marked the third anniversary of the United

Afghan Quake Toll Hits 1,457

More than 6,700 homes have been destroyed due to earthquake as international aid agencies struggle to reach people in remote areas…reports Asian Lite News The death toll from the powerful earthquake that

Xi, Putin, Kim conspiring against US, says Trump

Trump accused Xi of “conspiring against” America after hosting Putin and Kim at Beijing’s largest military parade….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump unleashed a sharp rebuke at Chinese President Xi

Al Zeer clinches UAE President’s Cup glory

Al Zeer stormed to a dramatic victory at Waregem Racecourse, clinching the UAE President’s Cup in Belgium, showcasing the UAE’s equestrian heritage and global sporting vision….reports Asian Lite News Before nearly 50,000

India, UAE chase $100b trade dream

India and the UAE reaffirmed their CEPA partnership, setting a $100 billion non-oil trade target by 2030, with strong focus on energy, food, healthcare, and technology….reports Asian Lite News India and the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US Senator: China Months Away From US in Race For AI Supremacy

The Biden administration’s recent decision to tighten controls on the

US says ready to work with Xi

Blinken says the world “fundamentally expects” the two powers to