On Wednesday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers flying in international airspace near Alaska. This incident marks the first joint operation between Russian and Chinese bombers in the region. NORAD reported that the aircraft remained in international airspace within Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace. The intercept involved U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as Canadian CF-18 fighter jets, and was conducted without any indication of a threat.
China’s Defense Ministry later confirmed that the joint aerial patrol was part of a routine annual cooperation plan between China and Russia. The ministry stated that this was the eighth such patrol since 2019, aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries’ air forces. The ministry emphasized that the operation was in compliance with international law and not directed at any third parties.
U.S. Defense officials have expressed concern about the growing cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic region. They noted that while joint exercises are not new, the increased activity and strategic alignment between the two nations are troubling, particularly in the context of shifting regional dynamics and climate change. Officials have indicated that this increased presence could impact U.S. defense strategies and highlight the need for continued monitoring.
Critics of the growing China-Russia cooperation argue that while notable, the strategic implications remain limited. They suggest that the collaboration, though increasing, has not yet reached a level that poses a significant military threat to U.S. interests.
NORAD’s Perspective:
NORAD reported that the interception of the Russian and Chinese bombers was routine and that the aircraft remained in international airspace, thus not constituting a threat to U.S. or Canadian sovereignty. NORAD emphasized that this type of activity is monitored to ensure national security and that the presence of these aircraft is part of ongoing regional monitoring
Chinese and Russian Perspective:
The Chinese Defense Ministry described the operation as part of a routine annual cooperation plan between China and Russia, aimed at enhancing strategic trust and cooperation between the two countries’ air forces. They asserted that the patrol was in accordance with international laws and not directed at any third parties
U.S. Defense Officials’ Perspective:
U.S. Defense officials expressed concern over the increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region. They highlighted that while joint military exercises between China and Russia are not new, the growing cooperation between the two nations in the Arctic is troubling. Officials noted that the increased presence and joint operations could have implications for U.S. defense missions and regional stability
Critics’ Perspective:
Some critics argue that while the cooperation between China and Russia is growing, it remains relatively superficial and does not yet pose a significant military threat. They emphasize that while the increasing presence of Chinese and Russian forces is notable, the practical implications for U.S. defense strategy may be limited.