Russian Nuclear-Capable Bombers Challenge US Air Defenses Near Alaska

On July 22, 2025, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted a formation of Russian military aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The group included Tu-95MS strategic bombers, accompanied by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. In response, US Air Force F-35 and F-16 aircraft were deployed to identify and monitor the Russian formation.

According to NORAD , the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not breach US or Canadian sovereign territory. The intercept was carried out in accordance with standard procedures, and NORAD released images documenting the operation.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the flight, stating that the mission over the Bering Sea lasted approximately 15 hours and included aerial refueling. The Ministry also acknowledged that “on certain segments of the route, the strategic bombers were escorted by foreign fighter aircraft.”

The Alaskan ADIZ is a critical component of North America’s layered air defense system. It extends beyond national airspace and serves as an early-warning zone for identifying, tracking, and potentially intercepting approaching aircraft.

NORAD, a binational command established by the United States and Canada in 1958, operates a round-the-clock surveillance and response system integrating satellites, ground-based radar, airborne platforms, and fighter aircraft.

Incursions into the ADIZ by Russian long-range aviation are not unprecedented. Earlier this year, Russian Tu-142 and Il-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft were also intercepted in the region.

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These flights are typically conducted in compliance with international law but are often assessed by analysts as attempts to evaluate the response time and capabilities of NORAD systems.

The Tupolev Tu-95MS, a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying cruise missiles, remains a key asset in Russia’s strategic air fleet despite its legacy design. The Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters escorting the bombers are equipped for air superiority missions and are intended to enhance the survivability of the bomber group during extended patrols.

As global military activity increases in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions, the strategic importance of the Alaskan ADIZ continues to grow.

Earlier in July, Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov claimed that Moscow could destroy both US coasts with nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedoes, triggering a “radioactive tsunami.” Addressing President Trump directly, Solovyov warned that no US defense system could stop such a strike.