US F-22 Raptors intercept Russian bombers flying near Alaska
(Worthy News) – Two Russian nuclear-capable bombers accompanied by two fighter jets were identified and intercepted by two F-22 Raptor fighters with North American Aerospace Defense Command on Tuesday “west of mainland Alaska.”
Although the Russian aircraft — two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets — did not cross into U.S. or Canadian airspace, the incident marks the second time in September that Russian bombers have approached Alaska.
“The homeland is no longer a sanctuary and the ability to deter and defeat threats to our citizens, vital infrastructure, and national institutions starts with successfully detecting, tracking, and positively identifying aircraft of interest approaching U.S. and Canadian airspace,” Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, the NORAD commander, said in a statement. “NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, as well as fighters to identify aircraft and determine the appropriate response.” [ Source: Washington Examiner (Read More…) ]