US fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska for the second time in 2 days

CNN reported the information.

On Thursday, February 16, US fighter jets intercepted Russian fighter jets and bombers flying near Alaska, though Russian aircraft did not enter US or Canadian airspace.

Two American F-35s intercepted Russian TU-95 Bear bombers, as well as SU-30 and SU-35 fighters. The planes were approaching the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone when they were intercepted.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) informed that experts do not see any threat or provocation in Russian aviation’s actions.

"As before, NORAD had anticipated this Russian activity and, as a result of our planning, was able to intercept it. We remain ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America and Arctic sovereignty," the statement said.

A day earlier, 2 NORAD F-16s intercepted Russian TU-95s and SU-35s that had entered Alaska's air defense range while remaining outside US airspace.

According to the military, in both cases, Russia sent 4 aircraft.

• On February 14, 2 Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted 3 Russian military aircraft near Poland approaching from Kaliningrad.