U.S. Jets Intercept Russian Military Aircraft Near Alaska

U.S. Air Force F-35 jets intercepted four Russian military aircraft near Alaska on Tuesday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced.

The Russian aircraft, two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets, were intercepted about 200 miles southwest of Adak Island, Alaska, NORAD said. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. airspace.

The Russian aircraft were intercepted as part of NORAD's mission to provide air defense for the United States and Canada.

NORAD is a joint U.S.-Canadian organization that provides aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America. NORAD has the mission to detect, deter, and defeat aerospace threats to North America.

The interception of the Russian aircraft is the latest in a series of incidents involving Russian military aircraft near Alaska. In May, U.S. F-22 jets intercepted two Russian Tu-95 bombers near Alaska. In June, U.S. F-16 jets intercepted two Russian Su-35 fighter jets near Alaska.

The increased frequency of Russian military aircraft near Alaska is a concern for U.S. officials. The U.S. has accused Russia of using its military aircraft to probe U.S. air defenses and to conduct reconnaissance missions.

The U.S. has also said that the Russian military aircraft are often unarmed and that they are not a threat to the United States. However, the U.S. has said that it will continue to intercept Russian military aircraft if they approach U.S. airspace.