In a significant display of military cooperation, Russian and Chinese bombers were intercepted off the coast of Alaska by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets. This marks the first instance of strategic bombers from both nations operating together near North America, highlighting the increasing military partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
On Wednesday, two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers flew into the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer zone in international airspace. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the flights, which did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace and were not considered a direct military threat.
The Russian and Chinese bombers, which took off from a Russian air base, were intercepted by U.S. F-16s, F-35s, and Canadian CF-18s. NORAD assured that they would continue to monitor and respond to any competitor activity near North America.
This joint mission is part of a broader trend of military cooperation between Russia and China. Last August, a combined Russian and Chinese naval force patrolled near the coast of Alaska, marking the largest such flotilla to approach American shores. Eleven Russian and Chinese ships were closely monitored by U.S. destroyers and P-8 Poseidon aircraft but did not enter U.S. territorial waters.
China has been significantly aiding Russia’s military industry by providing microelectronics, machine tools, and other dual-use components crucial for weapon production. In 2023, approximately 90% of Russia’s microelectronics imports came from China, aiding in the production of missiles, tanks, and aircraft. Additionally, China has supplied satellite imagery used by Moscow for military operations, despite denying any weapon supplies to Russia.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in its recent summit, urged Beijing to stop all material and political support for Russia’s war efforts.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the joint mission involved strategic bombers from both nations conducting a five-hour patrol over the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea, and the northern Pacific Ocean. The bombers were escorted by Russian jet fighters and returned to their home airfields after completing the mission.
This joint flight, part of the 2024 military cooperation plan between Russia and China, was not directed against any third country, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The increasing cooperation between Russia and China poses a significant challenge to global security dynamics, especially as tensions continue to rise in various geopolitical hotspots.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.