Are you curious about Why Are Russian Bombers Flying Near Alaska? Flyermedia.net breaks down the recent incidents involving Russian aircraft near Alaskan airspace. We’ll explore the reasons behind these flights, the potential implications, and what it means for US national security, providing clear insights into air patrols, military cooperation, and airspace security.
Table of Contents
- Are Joint Patrols by China and Russia Near Alaska Normal?
- What Motivates Russia and China to Conduct Joint Patrols Now?
- Do the Bomber Flights Reflect a Broader Agenda of Military Cooperation Between China and Russia?
- Were the Flights Intentionally Escalatory, and Can We Expect More?
- What Measures Should the United States Take in Response to Future Provocations?
- FAQ About Russian Bombers Flying Near Alaska
1. Are Joint Patrols by China and Russia Near Alaska Normal?
No, joint air patrols by China and Russia near Alaska are not typical. In fact, the incident on July 24 marked the first time China and Russia conducted a joint air patrol in the northern Pacific and near Alaska. Further emphasizing its uniqueness, it was also the first time that Chinese and Russian aircraft took off from the same Russian air base.
These bombers approached within 200 miles of the Alaskan coast. While remaining in international airspace, they entered Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a monitored airspace where aircraft must identify themselves for national security reasons. The Russian Ministry of Defence issued a statement indicating that these patrols were part of a “new area of joint operations,” involving two Chinese Xian H-6 planes and two Russian Tu-95 bombers, accompanied by Russian fighter jets.
Since 2019, there have been eight joint bomber flights between China and Russia. These previous flights occurred over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the Western Pacific, occasionally penetrating the ADIZ of Japan and South Korea. Beyond bombers, there has been an increase in joint air and maritime patrols by China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating a growing bilateral cooperation since their declaration of a “no limits” partnership in 2022.
2. What Motivates Russia and China to Conduct Joint Patrols Now?
China’s Ministry of National Defense stated that the purpose of these strategic air patrols is to “further test and enhance the level of cooperation between the two air forces, as well as deepen strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two countries.” They also emphasized that these patrols are not targeted at any third party and are unrelated to current international or regional issues. However, considering the increasing competition and nuclear risks in the region, this statement requires broader analysis.
The increased military cooperation between China and Russia demonstrates their ability to jointly project military power in the region and approach the U.S. homeland. It also enhances the operational skills of their military forces. This recent patrol signifies the growing sophistication and increasing military collaboration between China and Russia.
The timing of these flights may be a response to high-profile international events involving the United States and its allies in the region. For instance, in May 2022, Chinese H-6 bombers and Russian Tu-95 bombers flew near Japanese airspace during a meeting of Quad leaders in Tokyo, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets.
Currently, these patrols coincide with the United States, along with 28 allies and partners, conducting the Rim of the Pacific Exercise—the world’s largest international maritime exercise. This exercise included testing a B-2 bomber by sinking a maritime target. China was excluded from this exercise after previous invitations were abused.
Moreover, these flights align with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Japan for the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting, followed by Austin’s visit to the Philippines, which has expanded its defense cooperation with the United States under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Additionally, Austin will host an Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultation in Annapolis. These initiatives, including the Nuclear Consultative Group with South Korea and the Australia-UK-U.S. agreement on nuclear submarines, indicate a strengthening of alliances against increasing Chinese and North Korean military activities and further Russian aggression.
While Beijing and Moscow claim these exercises aim to counterbalance Western influence and create division between the United States and its allies, the actual result appears to be the opposite.
3. Do the Bomber Flights Reflect a Broader Agenda of Military Cooperation Between China and Russia?
Yes, Beijing and Moscow have described previous joint bomber flights as being conducted “in accordance with their annual military cooperation plan”. This plan is designed to enhance the strategic partnership and coordination between their armed forces, manifesting through various military activities, including joint air patrols, naval exercises, and training missions. This partnership extends to nuclear, space, and industrial base cooperation.
Since 2012, the Chinese and Russian navies have engaged in joint exercises in regions such as the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Arctic. Last summer, a fleet of 11 ships, including Chinese and Russian destroyers and an intelligence collection ship, sailed near the Alaskan coast and the Aleutian Islands. This month, both navies initiated their annual joint maritime patrol in the Asia-Pacific region, which included a three-day exercise in the South China Sea.
In 2018, China declared itself a “Near-Arctic State” and expressed strategic and economic interest in the Arctic. With melting polar ice caps, new shipping lanes could emerge, offering China valuable trade routes through an “Ice Silk Road.” A 2022 RAND study concluded that while China does not have a major presence in the region, it has actively pursued opportunities, dispatching research expeditions and attempting a $150 million gold mine deal, which was blocked by Canada. China may be trying to use Russia’s Arctic presence to strengthen its foothold in the region.
The partnership extends beyond joint strategic bomber flights to include nuclear cooperation. Since 2018, China has regularly participated in Russia’s annual military district-level exercises. In early 2023, it was reported that Rosatom, Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation, was supplying China with highly enriched uranium to fuel fast breeder reactors. U.S. officials believe these reactors will produce weapons-grade plutonium for Beijing’s nuclear weapons program.
Regarding space and missile defense, Beijing and Moscow signed technology transfer agreements in 2017 and 2019. Although the extent of technology transfer is unclear, Chinese firms have provided the Wagner Group with satellite imagery to assist in combat operations in Ukraine.
China is also providing Russia with “dual-use material and components for weapons,” significantly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
4. Were the Flights Intentionally Escalatory, and Can We Expect More?
Alaskan national security leaders have emphasized the potentially escalatory nature of these flights. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski described the patrol as an “unprecedented provocation by our adversaries,” while U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan stated, “Make no mistake, this is an escalation.”
However, intercepts in the Alaska ADIZ are not unusual; NORAD has conducted an average of six to seven intercepts of Russian aircraft annually between 2007 and 2023. While the inclusion of Chinese bombers in this recent patrol is new, the operation mirrors previous Russian patrols near Alaska, with aircraft operating in international airspace and adhering to international law.
The real significance of this patrol lies in the growing cooperation between China and Russia and the intensifying competition with the United States. The United States should anticipate continued challenges from China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere, demonstrating their ability to reach the U.S. homeland. These challenges may also extend across other domains, including sea, space, and nuclear. Both Chinese and Russian bombers involved in the patrol were nuclear-capable, reflecting China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear forces and Russia’s persistent nuclear saber-rattling.
5. What Measures Should the United States Take in Response to Future Provocations?
Defense Secretary Austin stated that the Chinese and Russian aircraft approaching U.S. airspace was “not a surprise,” noting that U.S. forces had closely monitored and intercepted the aircraft, demonstrating the United States’ “very good surveillance capabilities.” NORAD’s ability to track and intercept these bombers over 200 miles from the U.S. coast highlights the strength of U.S. early warning and intelligence capabilities, as well as the preparedness of U.S. and allied air forces. By maintaining professionalism in these incidents and addressing irresponsible behavior, the United States can highlight its adversaries’ aggressive actions to the international community.
U.S. leaders should enhance homeland defenses against a wider range of threats. The Chinese balloon incident in early 2023 revealed gaps in detecting and disrupting adversary activity in U.S. airspace, despite NORAD’s capability to intercept adversary aircraft. The U.S. Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States has noted advancements in Chinese and Russian coercive attack weapons that can reach the U.S. homeland. Improving U.S. homeland defense radars and accelerating the fielding of integrated air and missile defense capabilities would equip U.S. forces to better defend against potential threats.
The United States should also improve its understanding of Chinese-Russian cooperation. Current intelligence collection and analysis are often siloed, with separate Chinese and Russian intelligence units. As China and Russia collaborate more closely, it is increasingly important to examine the bilateral relationship, including their collaborative methods and partnership vulnerabilities. This requires enhanced cooperation between Chinese and Russian experts across intelligence agencies.
The United States, its allies, and its partners maintain stability and security in the Indo-Pacific through force posture, exercises, and investments in modern defense capabilities. While China and Russia attempt to project power together, the United States must continue to do so effectively.
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6. FAQ About Why Are Russian Bombers Flying Near Alaska
Here are some frequently asked questions about Russian Bombers flying near Alaska:
- What is NORAD’s role when Russian bombers fly near Alaska? NORAD detects, tracks, and intercepts aircraft approaching North American airspace to ensure the security of the United States and Canada.
- What types of aircraft were involved in the July 2024 incident near Alaska? The incident involved two Chinese Xian H-6K bombers and two Russian Tu-95MS Bear bombers, which are both nuclear-capable.
- How close to Alaska did the Russian and Chinese bombers fly? The bombers came within 200 miles of the coast of Alaska, operating in international airspace but within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
- Is it illegal for Russian bombers to fly near Alaska? As long as the aircraft remain in international airspace and comply with international laws, it is not illegal. However, entering the ADIZ requires identification for national security reasons.
- What is the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)? The ADIZ is an area of airspace monitored for national security, where aircraft are required to identify themselves to air traffic control.
- How often do Russian military aircraft fly near Alaska? Between 2007 and 2023, NORAD conducted an average of six to seven intercepts of Russian aircraft annually.
- What is the significance of China participating in these flights with Russia? China’s involvement signifies growing military cooperation and strategic alignment between China and Russia, demonstrating their ability to project power jointly.
- What international events might be influencing these joint patrols? These patrols may be a response to high-profile events such as the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) and meetings between U.S. and allied leaders in the Indo-Pacific region.
- What are the potential risks associated with these bomber flights? The flights can be seen as escalatory, testing U.S. defenses, and demonstrating the ability to reach the U.S. homeland with nuclear-capable aircraft.
- What is the U.S. doing to respond to these types of provocations? The U.S. is improving homeland defense radars, accelerating the fielding of integrated air and missile defense capabilities, and enhancing intelligence gathering and analysis on Chinese-Russian cooperation.
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