US fighters intercepted a Russian military aircraft near Alaska

The Russian squadron included two strategic Tu-95 bombers, which were struck Monday by two F-22 fighters, the command said.

A second group of two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters were also intercepted by another pair of F-22 fighters, he said.

An airborne surveillance and warning system (AWACS) surveillance aircraft monitored the operations, NORAD added, adding that Russian planes were flying in the international airspace at all times.

They were intercepted when they entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, a perimeter line located outside the national airspace but at the same time. from which air traffic is constantly monitored to reduce response times in the event of an emergency. hostile threat.

"Our ability to deter and neutralize threats to our citizens and vital infrastructure begins with the detection, tracking and positive identification of aircraft in our airspace," said the commander. NORAD, the general Terrence O 'Shaughnessy.

The United States has four areas of air defense identification. The region of Alaska stretches about 320 km from the coast of the state.

Although the relations between the two powers are not at their critical point, these characteristics refer to the Cold War, the open confrontation that the two countries maintained throughout the twentieth century and which kept the world in abeyance. nuclear.