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Two days in a row, the US intercepted Russian fighter jets near Alaska. Photos/Illustrations
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon says military United States of America (US) intercepted four military aircraft Russia on Valentine’s Day or last Tuesday as they approach the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
“Russian aircraft included TU-95 BEAR-H (bombers), Su-30 fighter jets and SU-35 fighter jets,” according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). 2/2023).
Two F-35 fighter jets were used to intercept the Russian aircraft, supported by two F-16 fighter jets, one E-3 Sentry (AWACS) and two KC-135 Stratotankers.
NORAD said the Russian aircraft did not enter sovereign American or Canadian airspace.
This was the second intercept of the Russian aircraft this week, which NORAD said was not considered provocative. Earlier two F-16 fighter jets intercepted four Russian planes near Alaska on Monday.
Read: 2 US F-16 fighter jets intercept 4 Russian military aircraft near Alaska
“As before, NORAD has anticipated this Russian activity and, as a result of our planning, stands ready to intercept it,” the statement said.
But NORAD assessed that the latest intercept was “completely unrelated” to recent operations with aerial objects over the US and Canada over the past two weeks.
Previously a Chinese spy balloon was seen crossing the US two weeks ago and was shot down off the coast of South Carolina after traveling across the country.
Read: Black Hawk Helicopter Falls in the US, 2 Members of the National Guard Killed
