Amid balloon crisis, Russia conducts bombing drills on US border – News
2 min read
Summary of news
- Russia has conducted military exercises near the country’s border with the United States
- Tu-95 bombers flew over the area for seven hours along with Su-90 fighters
- The exercise takes place during a diplomatic incident between China and the United States over the balloon
- China and Russia have been strengthening ties for years, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine
Russia’s Defense Ministry released a video today (14) Tuesday, showing what it classified as a routine Tu-95 bomber exercise over the Bering Sea, bordering the United States.
The flight was escorted by Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets in a seven-hour exercise over the North Pacific Ocean. The area near Alaska is widely used by Russian and American fishermen.
The Tu-95, nicknamed the Bear of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), was developed in the 1950s during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States. Over the years, the aircraft has been modernized and is estimated to carry 16 nuclear cruise missiles.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, in addition to the Pacific, air exercises are common in the Arctic, North Atlantic and Baltic and Black Seas. All flights follow international norms for use of airspace, added the folder.
The US and Canada shot down two unidentified flying objects in recent days in an area designated by Russia for training. Earlier in the month, a Chinese balloon allegedly used for spying flew over the extreme north of the continent and was shot down by Washington.
China’s ally Russia has strengthened ties with Beijing in recent years. The process has intensified since the war with Ukraine began in February last year.
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