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Russian strategic bombers with fighter escorts have twice tested the US anti-aircraft defenses in two days with flights off the coast of Alaska.
The long-range Tu-95 Russian bombers entered Tuesday in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, the United States scrambled two US Air Force F-22s backed by an E-3 Sentry aircraft to intercept Russian bombers, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). m said in a report.
The Russian bombers left the ADIZ, then returned accompanied by a pair of Su-35 fighter jets. NORAD sent two additional F-22s and E-3s to raise the initial interception team and monitor Russian bombers and their escorts.
The Tu-95 is a large four-engine, propeller-equipped aircraft that has been upgraded to serve as a cruise missile platform capable of carrying conventional and nuclear payloads. The Su-35 is an extremely manageable fighter designed to bridge the gap between Russia's fourth and fifth generation fighter programs.
Tuesday's interception followed a similar situation On Monday, when four F-22s in total intercepted two pairs of Tu-95 bombers in Alaska's ADIZ. The Russian plane has never entered the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada, said the US military.
Read more: US F-22 stealth fighters intercepted 4 Russian bombers testing US anti-aircraft defenses near Alaska
"NORAD's top priority is to defend Canada and the United States," said General Terrence O. Shaughnessy, commander of NORAD, in a statement issued after Monday's intercepts.
"Our ability to deter and counter threats to our citizens, our vital infrastructure and our national institutions begins with the detection, tracking and positive identification of aircraft of interest that are approaching the point of departure. US and Canadian airspace. "
This week's incidents come just months after bombing heavy long-range bombers by the US B-52H Stratofortress, which ruffled Russia's feathers during a short-term deployment in Europe.
The Kremlin accused the United States of having unnecessarily fueled tensions as the plane was conducting simulations of bombings and robberies near Russia, pushing the Russians to jostle their fighters to intercept big bombers.
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