By José Carlos Palma*
Washington, D.C., July 28, 2024 — On July 25, 2024, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked and intercepted four bombers—two North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and two Chinese Xi’an H-6M aircraft—as they conducted a joint strategic aerial patrol over the Bering Sea, a strategic divide between the Russian Far East and Alaska.
China’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed that this aerial patrol exercise was part of ongoing collaborative efforts between the Chinese and Russian militaries, marking the eighth such exercise since 2019. The joint patrol aimed to enhance operational coordination and “deepen strategic mutual trust,” according to a statement from Chinese defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang.
The Russian TU-95, a Soviet-era strategic bomber, remains a mainstay of the Russian Air Force, specifically within the 37th Air Army. The aircraft is known for its heavy payload capacity and long-range capabilities. In contrast, China’s Xi’an H-6M, a derivative of the Soviet Tu-16, serves as the primary strategic bomber for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The H-6M has been adapted for a range of missions, including long-range strikes and multi-role combat operations.
NORAD, a bi-national defense organization of Canada and the U.S., reported that it had detected, tracked, and intercepted these bombers within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ADIZ extends beyond national airspace, allowing countries to respond proactively to potential threats. NORAD assured that the operation did not pose a direct threat and was in line with international law and norms.
“The aircraft remained in international airspace throughout their mission,” NORAD stated. “This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska ADIZ is not viewed as a threat. NORAD will continue to monitor activities near North America and respond as necessary.”
Despite the heightened activity, both China and Russia have underscored that their joint patrol was conducted in compliance with international laws and was unrelated to any specific international or regional conflict. The exercise reflects the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations and their intent to demonstrate their operational reach and capabilities.
Military analysts note that such joint exercises serve multiple purposes, including improving coordination between the two air forces and showcasing their ability to project power over long distances. The increased frequency of these exercises could also be interpreted as a strategic signal amidst shifting global power dynamics.
As tensions continue to simmer in various global regions, the ongoing interactions between China and Russia highlight their commitment to enhancing military collaboration and asserting their presence on the world stage.
*José Palma, a versatile and highly skilled collaborator at Smartencyclopedia. With a multi-faceted role that encompasses project creation, site development, and editorial leadership, José is a vital force behind our platform’s success. His expertise extends into various areas of international relations, IT consultancy, world history, political consultancy, and military analysis.