US Air Force F-16s intercept Russian Tu-95 bombers near Alaska

Two Tu-95MS bombers conducted a flight over neutral waters of the Bering Sea near the western coast of Alaska, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

“The strategic missile carriers were accompanied by fighters from foreign states at certain stages of the route,” the military department added.

The published footage showed an American F-16C from the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) based at Eielson Air Force Base.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

Formerly known as the 18th Aggressor Squadron, the unit was redesignated as the 18th FIS on February 2, 2024, reflecting its renewed focus on air defense. This shift has been ongoing since the 18th AGRS supported the F-22 in air defense roles with F-16s on Quick Reaction Alert duties since late 2022.

Notably, the Russian footage features F-16s from the recently redesignated 18th FIS in Aggressors paint scheme.

The aircraft of the 18th Squadron feature camouflage resembling various types of Russian and Chinese Air Force aircraft. However, it has now been renamed from aggressors to interceptors, with their new mission being to ensure aerospace control near Alaska.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Ukraine uses new type of naval drones to strike Russian targets

Ukraine’s new naval drones conducted precision strikes on Russian-occupied gas platforms off the coast of Crimea in the Black Sea, destroying surveillance systems used...