Russia usually uses transport planes or fighter jets for provocations. But this time, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) identified the Tu-95 nuclear bombers. They entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.
Russian planes remained in international airspace. They did not violate either American or Canadian sovereign airspace. To intercept the Tu-95, the US Air Force raised fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.
The incident occurred on October 17, 2022. NORAD’s official statement stated that Russia’s recent activity is neither considered a provocation nor a threat.