NORAD scrambled two F-16 figher jets to intercept Russian Tu-95 bombers.
Russian Tu-95 bombers capable of being equipped with nuclear weapons were intercepted on October 18th (local time) after “entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone”, according to a statement by the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).
The statement by NORAD said, “After detecting, tracking, and identifying two Russian Tu-95 bombers operating as they entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, two F-16 fighters urgently launched and blocked their approach. It didn’t enter US or Canadian airspace, it stayed in international airspace.”
The air defense identification zone consists of both Alaskan airspace, as well as additional airspace in which the United States uses for identifying, locating and controlling civil aircraft.
Although the air defense identification zone is not considered part of Alaskan airspace, it is closely monitored for the interest of national security.
NORAD stated that the Russian bomber did not pose a threat or provocation to the United States.
Russia is reportedly set to carry out its yearly nuclear exercises, though it is unclear whether this particular Tu-95 bomber flight is a part of any nuclear exercise.
