US intercepts Russian bombers in Alaska, a deterrent message from the Arctic

An interception of Russian aircraft near Alaska has just been confirmed by the US Military, when US F-16s confronted Tu-95MS and Su-35.

On September 24, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said that US F-16 fighters had urgently scrambled to intercept a formation of Russian Tu-95MS bombers and Su-35 fighters in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) - an encounter that raised concerns about escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow in Arctic skies.

According to NORAD, the Russian formation approached from the northwest across the Bering Sea without filing a flight plan or radio contact. This action was immediately considered a potential threat, forcing F-16 fighters from Eielson Air Force Base to take off as part of quick response procedures.

The US fighters quickly approached, identified and escorted the Russian aircraft for nearly two hours. The encounter took place entirely in international airspace, spanning hundreds of nautical miles, without any collision, but a Su-35 suddenly maneuvered close - a move NORAD determined to be "purposeful", adding to the tension.

Although NORAD considers this a routine operation, it emphasizes that the composition of the Russian formation this time - with Su-35 escorting Tu-95MS - is highly alert. It shows that Moscow is not only maintaining long-range flight training, but also testing a real-life combat scenario: strategic bombing combined with air defense.

The Tu-95MS Bear-H, which was developed during the Soviet era, is still the mainstay of Russia's long-range air force. With the ability to carry Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles - which can be equipped with nuclear warheads - and a flight range of over 15,000 km, the Tu-95MS is capable of attacking targets in the US from a safe distance outside the country.

Meanwhile, the Su-35 Flanker-E is one of Russia’s most modern fighter jets. The aircraft has a powerful phased array radar, thrust vectoring engines, and long-range R-77 air-to-air missiles. The inclusion of the Su-35 in the escort formation shows that Moscow is increasing the complexity of its strategic patrols.

The Alaska ADIZ is a security buffer zone that extends approximately 370 km from the coast. Although it is not under sovereignty, any aircraft that enters without identifying themselves is considered a threat. With its early warning function, the ADIZ allows the US and Canada to quickly detect, assess and respond to any military activity in the Arctic skies.

Each interception has a dual strategic significance: it both affirms the determination to defend the airspace and provides realistic training opportunities for pilots. At the same time, they help NORAD collect data on the type, configuration and behavior of the enemy. In this case, the parallel presence of Tu-95MS and Su-35 clearly cannot be overlooked.

Over the past three years, the frequency of Russian bomber flights over Arctic and Pacific routes has increased steadily. This trend is linked to the context of melting ice opening up new shipping routes and turning the Arctic into an increasingly heated battlefield for strategic competition.

To strengthen its presence, Moscow has upgraded its military infrastructure in Chukotka and Kamchatka and deployed additional long-range aviation units. Thanks to this, Russia maintains constant pressure on the US-Canada ADIZ and expands its control of northern airspace.

The combination of Tu-95MS and Su-35 is not simply a training exercise. It simulates a strategic attack package with escort, both testing NORAD’s response and sending a message of deterrence. For Washington, that means the risk of unexpected confrontation is always present, requiring high vigilance.

As geopolitical competition spreads from the Indo- Pacific to the Arctic, intercepts in the Alaskan ADIZ are sure to become more frequent and more complex. The F-16 squadron at Eielson continues to serve as a frontline force, ensuring that any potential threats are detected, intercepted, and intercepted in a timely manner—keeping the North American defense shield intact.

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