US intercepts Russian bombers, fighter jets off Alaskan coast for second time in two days

By Ryan Browne and Devan Cole, CNN. Updated 7:41 AM ET, Wed May 22, 2019

Washington (CNN) For the second time in two days, US F-22 stealth jets intercepted Russian bombers and fighter jets off the coast of Alaska, North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement.

A total of four F-22 stealth jets were involved in intercepting the two Russian Tu-95 bombers Tuesday, which had entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, according to NORAD. The zone extends approximately 200 miles off Alaska’s western coast. The bombers returned to the area again, this time accompanied by Su-35 fighter jets and were subsequently intercepted by US aircraft.

“Specifically, two Russian bombers entered the ADIZ and were intercepted by two F-22s while an E-3 provided overall command and control,” NORAD said in the statement. “The bombers exited and then re-entered the Alaskan ADIZ accompanied by two Su-35 fighter jets. NORAD committed an additional two F-22s and E-3 to relieve the initial intercept aircraft.”

Tuesday’s interception came hours after four F-22s intercepted four Russian bombers and two Russian Su-35 fighter jets in the ADIZ on Monday.

In both incidents, the intercepted Russian bombers and jets “remained in international airspace and at no time did the aircraft enter United States or Canadian sovereign airspace,” according to NORAD.

The Russian bomber flights are seen by US military officials as part of Moscow’s effort to train its military for a potential crisis while simultaneously sending a message of strength to adversaries.

This latest intercepts come amid tensions with Russia on a wide range of geopolitical issues and a week after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Russian Vladimir Putin in the resort town of Sochi where he warned Russia about interfering in US elections, taking a tougher public line than President Donald Trump on the issue.

US officials say Russian bombers and jets have flown in the area several times a year for the last few years and have similarly been intercepted by US or Canadian jets operating as part of NORAD.

The Russian bomber flights were restarted in 2007 as part of Moscow’s efforts to bolster the capabilities of its armed forces.