News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th July 2024
On Wednesday, a joint aerospace command revealed that two Chinese and two Russian long-range bombers were detected flying over international waters close to Alaska. In response to this unusual activity, U.S. and Canadian fighter jets were dispatched to monitor the situation. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that the military maneuver was not deemed a direct threat, but reiterated its commitment to maintaining vigilance in the region.
NORAD, which oversees the aerospace defense for both Canada and the U.S., stated that it will continue to observe and respond to such activities. In a press release, the command emphasized its role in “meeting presence with presence,” underscoring its mission to ensure security in North American airspace.
While Russia’s military has a history of operating in the northern Pacific region, China has recently become a significant player in this area. China’s increased naval and air force capabilities have led to a more frequent presence near North American shores. In July, for instance, the U.S. Coast Guard encountered four Chinese naval ships within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast.
The latest incident involved Chinese H-6 bombers and Russian Tu-95 aircraft navigating the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This zone, while not part of U.S. or Canadian airspace, requires foreign aircraft to be identified for national security reasons. The operation by Chinese and Russian bombers near this sensitive area has heightened security concerns.
Japan, which is also closely monitoring the situation, has expressed growing apprehension about the increasing collaboration between Chinese and Russian military forces. Last December, Japanese defense officials reported that a combined fleet of Russian and Chinese warplanes, including Tu-95s and H-6s, conducted joint exercises over waters between Japan and Korea. This joint military activity has been perceived as a potential threat to regional security, prompting Japan to bolster its defense readiness.
The increasing frequency of joint operations between Chinese and Russian forces underscores a strategic shift that has drawn the attention of global defense agencies. As these nations expand their military activities, both the U.S. and its allies are faced with the challenge of ensuring that their defense systems remain robust and responsive to emerging threats.
In summary, the recent incident involving Chinese and Russian bombers near Alaska highlights the evolving dynamics of global military power and the importance of continued vigilance in aerospace defense. As China and Russia extend their military reach, nations like the U.S. and Canada, along with their allies, must remain prepared to address and monitor any potential threats to national and regional security.
