In a new incident recorded in the Alaska ADIZ, a patrol led by Tu-95MS strategic bombers from the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) was intercepted by F-16C and F-35A fighters from the United States Air Force (USAF). The event, reported by both the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Russian media, took place on July 22.
Over the past months and years, senior Pentagon officials have officially expressed—both to the public and to U.S. Congressional Committees—their concern over Russian aircraft patrols, led by strategic bombers and escorted by fighters, in various regions of the Arctic.
This issue is not a minor one, as it was reported last year that Russia is not acting alone: the Aerospace Forces have been planning and coordinating long-range patrols alongside aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army of China. One such example was the joint patrol carried out by Tu-95 and H-6K bombers in July 2024.
Returning to the incident disclosed on July 22, NORAD reported that it detected and tracked a flight of Russian military aircraft within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ); this zone, as noted in previous instances, should not be confused with national airspace, as it “…begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.”
Although NORAD stated that the Russian aircraft patrol operated within international airspace, without violating sovereign airspace, their presence prompted the deployment of U.S. Air Force fighter jets for interception. These aircraft confirmed the presence of a Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bomber (NATO designation: Bear-H), a variant specifically designed as a cruise missile launch platform.
Additionally, as shown in both the photos released by NORAD and videos published by Russian media, the bomber was escorted during several segments of the patrol by Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters. During the approximately 15-hour flight, the Tu-95MS was supported by aerial refueling aircraft.
As for the combat aircraft deployed by the USAF, F-16Cs were identified belonging to the 18th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron), formerly known as the 18th Aggressor Squadron, which previously served as a unit specialized in dissimilar air combat training.
This is not the first time the 18th FIS Fighting Falcons have intercepted Russian bombers, as noted in a previous incident in 2024. That occasion stood out because the aircraft still bore their characteristic paint scheme from their time as aggressor units. However, the fighters now sport the new scheme characterized by the distinctive dark gray color of the radar-absorbent Have Glass V coating.
You may also like: U.S. Air Force F-16C aggressor fighters intercepted two Russian Tu-95MS bombers in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone
I was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB in the late 70’s. We used to scramble out F-106’s on a semi-regular basis for the same reason. It’s been going on for over 60 years. Nothing new here.