US F-22s and F-16s intercept near Alaska a group of Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 nuclear bombers and Su-35 fighters

US fighter jets have intercepted a group of 6 Russian aircraft. This was reported by the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

Here's What We Know

NORAD is the joint aerospace defence system of the US and Canada. The command said F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters successfully intercepted a group of Russian aircraft. They included Tu-95 nuclear bombers, Ilyushin Il-78 air refuelers and Su-35 fighters (pictured below in that order).

In addition to the F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon, other US aircraft were involved in the US Aerospace Force interdiction mission. In particular, the E-3 Sentry and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

NORAD does not regard the actions of the Russian aircraft as a provocation. The command said similar incidents occur several times a year in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not violate US or Canadian airspace. They are not perceived as a threat. NORAD continuously monitors aircraft movements in its area of responsibility and escorts them out of the ADIZ area if necessary.

Source: @NORADCommand