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| U.S. and Canadian fighter jets often intercept Russian and Chinese bombers off Alaska, ensuring they don't venture any closer! |
So, imagine you're on a routine patrol in
one of the most remote parts of the world—Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. The seas
are cold, the winds are biting, and the scenery is breathtakingly rugged. All
seems normal until suddenly, your radar pings something unusual. It’s not a
fishing boat or a wayward cargo ship. Nope, it’s a Russian warship, cruising
around in international waters but well within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ). This isn’t a scene from a spy thriller; it’s real life, and it’s
happening off the coast of Alaska.
Yes, indeed, the Russians are coming. Just
recently, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley stumbled upon a Russian vessel
about 30 miles southeast of the Amukta Pass. Not wanting to startle the bear,
they didn’t make contact, but they did shadow the ship as it moved east,
keeping a close eye to ensure it didn’t try anything fishy. The idea was
simple: meet presence with presence. As Cmdr. Steven Baldovsky put it, the
Coast Guard was there “to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in
the maritime environment around Alaska.”
The U.S. EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from the shoreline, and while it’s technically international waters, it’s also an area where the U.S. has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. So, when foreign warships show up, the Coast Guard takes notice.
The types of bombers that Russia and China
are flying off the coast of Alaska make the situation even more unsettling.
Russian bombers like the Tupolev Tu-95, known as the "Bear," are
lumbering around up there. This isn't your average aircraft—it’s a long-range
bomber equipped to carry nuclear and conventional cruise missiles. The mere
fact that these flying behemoths are loitering in international airspace near
U.S. territory is a glaring reminder of the strategic threat they pose. And if
that wasn’t enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck, there’s the
Tupolev Tu-160, a supersonic monster that’s faster, deadlier, and can pack an
even bigger punch.
Now, let’s not forget about the Chinese
military. They’ve got their Xian H-6 bombers up there, too. These aren’t just
knockoffs of old Soviet designs—they’ve been modernized to carry a terrifying
array of weapons, including cruise missiles that could be aimed at targets
thousands of miles away. And many in the Pentagon find it nerve-wracking that
they've been seen flying alongside the Russian bombers, marking a level of
military cooperation that’s downright alarming.
But it’s not just bombers we need to worry
about. China is also sending up the Shaanxi Y-8, a reconnaissance and
electronic warfare aircraft. This plane isn’t armed with bombs, but it’s
packing something just as dangerous: the ability to gather intelligence and
disrupt communications. These reconnaissance flights are like someone peeking
through your windows and taking notes on how you live—only in this case,
they’re collecting data on U.S. military activities and figuring out the best
way to mess with them.
The bottom line? These aircraft aren’t
just up there for a joyride. They’re projecting power, testing U.S. defenses,
and showing that Russia and China aren’t afraid to flex their military muscles
right in our backyard. The presence of these bombers and reconnaissance planes
off Alaska’s coast should be a wake-up call. It’s a clear signal that the
geopolitical chess game is getting more intense, and the stakes are higher than
ever.
The flights may not be deemed a direct
threat, but they certainly raised eyebrows. U.S. and Canadian fighter jets
tracked and intercepted the bombers, ensuring they didn’t venture any closer.
This was a big deal, not just because of where they flew, but because it was
the first time Chinese and Russian aircraft took off from the same base in
northeast Russia. It’s a whole new level of military cooperation that has U.S.
officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, concerned.
So, how do the U.S. and Canada deal with
these not-so-friendly neighbors showing up unannounced? For starters, they keep
a constant watch. The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force are all in on it,
patrolling the waters and skies around Alaska. The Canadians are also in the
game, with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) being a joint
effort between the two countries to monitor and defend North American airspace.
When a potential threat is detected,
fighter jets are scrambled to intercept and identify the aircraft. This quick
response helps to assert control and deter any hostile actions. On the maritime
side, Coast Guard cutters and Navy ships track and monitor foreign vessels,
ready to respond if they stray too close or act suspiciously.
The appearance of Russian and Chinese
military aircraft and warships off Alaska’s coast is more than just a
coincidental show of force—it’s deeply connected to their broader ventures into
the Arctic. Both nations see the Arctic as a region of immense strategic
importance, rich with untapped natural resources and new shipping routes that
are becoming accessible due to melting ice.
Russia, in particular, has been ramping up
its military presence in the Arctic, viewing the region as critical to its
national security and economic future. The military activities near Alaska are
a way for Russia to assert its influence and remind the world that it intends
to dominate this emerging frontier. Their latest project, the "Northern
Clover" base on Kotelny Island, has U.S. intelligence on high alert. This
isn’t just some outpost—it's a fully equipped, year-round military hub packed
with advanced radar systems, missile defenses, and housing for hundreds of
troops.
Positioned right in the New Siberian
Islands, the base gives Russia a strategic edge over the Northern Sea Route and
allows Moscow to keep a close watch on NATO movements. The base is just one
piece of Russia's larger plan to flex its muscles in the Arctic, and it’s got
the U.S. watching closely, concerned about what this means for the balance of
power in the region.
China, although not an Arctic nation, has
been positioning itself as a "near-Arctic state," eager to establish
a foothold in this resource-rich area. By conducting joint military operations
with Russia near Alaska, China signals its intent to secure access to the
Arctic’s valuable resources and strategic trade routes.
You might be wondering, why does any of
this matter if these ships and planes are still technically in international
waters or airspace? Well, it’s all about influence and asserting dominance. By
showing up so close to U.S. territory, Russia and China are sending a message
that they’re not afraid to push boundaries—literally. It’s a flex, and the U.S.
can’t afford to ignore it. These activities near Alaska are part of a
calculated strategy by both nations to challenge U.S. influence in the Arctic
and to stake their claims in this strategically crucial region.
At the end of the day, it’s a game of chess on the high seas and in the skies. The U.S. and its allies need to be ready to move their pieces whenever a new player enters the board. And with tensions rising globally, it’s a game that’s only going to get more intense.
Robert
Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO)
and authors the ‘Corey
Pearson- CIA Spymaster’ series. Check out his latest spy thriller, ‘Mission of Vengeance’.
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