A Secret Mission by Russia and China: What Happened That Night in Alaska When Bombers Were Surprised ?

Russian and Chinese strategic bombers conducted a joint patrol near Alaska on Thursday, July 25, 2024, and were intercepted by American and Canadian fighters.

Russian Tu-95MS bombers and Chinese Xi'an H-6s conducted joint patrols over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea and the North Pacific, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Five-hour operation

During the five-hour flight, “Russian and Chinese crews cooperated in a new area of ​​joint operations, at all stages of an air patrol”, he adds. “On some stages of the journey, the air group was accompanied by fighters from foreign countries”, the ministry says.

The devices Russian and Chinese aircraft were escorted by Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters. They did not violate any foreign airspace, Russia stressed. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said U.S. and Canadian aircraft intercepted the group of aircraft.

Why these maneuvers ?

"The Russian and Chinese aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace,” NORAD said. These maneuvers, he continues, "are not considered a threat".