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NORAD tracks Chinese H-6K bombers within Alaska ADIZ
NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tupolev Tu-95 and two Chinese H-6 bombers operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Jul. 24, 2024. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept.
While the Russian Tu-95MS and PRC H-6K aircraft were operating in international airspace, their presence within the ADIZ necessitated a response from NORAD which dispatched F-16, F-35 and CF-18 fighter aircraft.
According to a NORAD press release, the Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ is not seen as a threat, and NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence.
An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.
NORAD is a unique bi-national command between the United States and Canada. It employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft in seamless interoperability to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.
Increased activity by both Russia and China in the region
As reported by Alert 5, the incident highlights the ongoing vigilance required to protect North American airspace. NORAD’s layered defense network, including satellites, ground-based, and airborne radars, along with fighter aircraft, remains essential in detecting and responding to potential threats.
The incident underscores a broader trend of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. US Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, head of NORAD and US Northern Command, expressed growing concerns about China’s expanding capabilities.
In a congressional testimony earlier this year in March, Guillot warned, “Fortunately, we haven’t seen Chinese aircraft operate near our air defense identification zones yet, but I think that that’s coming as early as this year.”
A new release was issued on Jul. 25 by Russia’s Ministry of Defence. The release pointed out that the aviation group of the Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-95MS and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force H-6K bombers carried out an air patrol over the Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea waters and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean.
“During the flight, the Russian and Chinese crews worked out issues of cooperation during all stages of the air patrol in the new area of joint actions,” it said.
According to the Russian MoD the joint flight duration of Russian and Chinese aircraft was more than 5 hours and Russian Aerospace Forces Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft provided air cover.
The release highlighted that the patrol is part of the implementation of the 2024 military cooperation plan between Russia and China and is not directed against third countries.
“During the patrol, the aircraft of both counters strictly obeyed to the provision of the international law. There has been no violation of the airspace of foreign countries,” according to the release.
More patrols near United States territory
Chinese spokesperson Snr. Col. Zhang Xiaogang explained that this is the eighth air strategic cruise jointly organized by the two militaries since 2019 to test and improve collaboration between the two air forces and deepen their strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. Nevertheless, Beijing did not issue any news releases on the patrol.
“The operation does not target a third party, is in line with international law and practice, and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” Zhang said during the defense ministry’s monthly press conference.
According to USNI News, even though Russia and China have routinely carried out joint bomber flights, these have only taken place over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and Philippine Sea, with the last joint bomber flight happening in December 2023. This prompted South Korea and Japan to scramble fighters when the flight came near the two countries.
The Russian Ministry of Defence release said that both countries intend to carry out more on regular basis in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea waters near United States territory, referring to Wednesday’s flight location as a new area of joint operations.
Photo credit: Department of Defense Photo
