US F‑16 intercepts Russian bombers near Alaska, tensions cool

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported the detection and tracking of four Russian military aircraft within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

The American command highlighted that the Russian aircraft stayed in international airspace and did not intrude upon the airspace of America or Canada. They added that such Russian activity off the coast of Alaska "occurs regularly and is not considered a threat".

Americans have not disclosed the actions taken following the detection of the Russian bombers. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense video shows an American F-16 plane intercepting and escorting the Russian aircraft.

"The video material features an F-16C from the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, based at Eielson Air Force Base," reports The Aviationist. The portal notes that although not visible in the footage, a second American aircraft likely participated in the operations, as these missions are usually conducted in pairs.

The Russians have stated that "two strategic missile-carrying Tu-95MS planes from the long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force conducted a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea, close to the western coast of Alaska".

The flight lasted more than 11 hours, with Su-30 fighter crews also partaking. "At certain stages of the route, they were joined by fighters from other countries," it was mentioned.

"Long-range aviation pilots routinely fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Black and Baltic Seas, and the Pacific Ocean. All Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft flights adhere strictly to international airspace usage rules," states the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Many reports issued by Russian media or government officials are considered propaganda. Such statements are integral to the information war led by the Russian Federation.