Tensions rise as a Russian fighter jet pushes a US F-16 away from a nuclear bomber in a dramatic aerial encounter. Watch the footage and learn more about this high-stakes confrontation.
On Monday, the US military raised concerns about an encounter with a Russian aircraft over neutral waters off the coast of Alaska, accusing an Su-35S of “unprofessional” behavior.
The incident took place on September 23 when U.S. aircraft were dispatched to intercept Russian military planes near Alaska, as revealed in a statement by General Gregory Guillot, the head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
“NORAD aircraft conducted a safe and orderly intercept of Russian military planes within the Alaska air defense identification zone. However, one Russian Su-35’s behavior was unsafe and unprofessional, posing a danger to all involved—a conduct unbecoming of a professional air force,” stated the commander.
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The command released a video of the encounter, captured from the cockpit of what appears to be an F-16 fighter jet. The footage shows this US aircraft nearing a nuclear-capable Tu-95MS strategic bomber before being intercepted by a Russian Su-35S.
The warning seemed to work, as the US plane promptly altered its course and began moving away from the bomber.
The Russian military has not addressed the accusations from NORAD. However, last Tuesday, Moscow’s Defense Ministry issued a brief statement regarding the mission that was disrupted by an encounter but did not reference any incidents involving American aircraft.
“Two Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers from the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted a routine flight over neutral waters in the Bering Sea, near Alaska’s western coast. The mission lasted over 11 hours and was accompanied by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets for escort. According to military officials, all such flights strictly comply with international regulations.”
