US Intercepts 5 Russian Aircraft Near Alaska

SadaNews - American military aircraft were deployed to intercept 5 Russian planes that were flying in international airspace off the west coast of Alaska; however, military officials stated yesterday (Friday) that the Russian planes were not viewed as provocative.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command reported that it detected and tracked two Russian "Tu-95" bombers, two "Su-35" fighters, and one "A-50" aircraft operating near the Bering Strait on Thursday.

In response, the command launched two "F-16" jets, two "F-35" jets, one "E-3" aircraft, and four "KC-135" refueling aircraft to intercept, identify, and escort the Russian planes until they left the area, according to a statement from the command, as reported by the "Associated Press".

The command's statement indicated that "the Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace." It noted that this type of activity "occurs regularly and is not considered a threat."