Feature Interview: How should U.S. deal with Russian bombers buzzing Alaskan airspace?
Last week, Russian military planes flew near Alaska’s coast on four separate occasions.
American military intercepted two of the flights and Canadian fighters joined their U.S. counterparts during the fourth intercept. All were legal, in international airspace and American military leaders have downplayed concern.
Heather Conley is the senior Vice President for Europe, Eurasia and the Arctic with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. She said these Russian incursions are meant to test U.S. military readiness.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Do Russian bomber patrols in the Arctic threaten Canada’s security and sovereignty?, Radio Canada International
Finland: UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force will have ramifications for Arctic security: experts, Radio Canada International
Norway: Norway’s foreign minister travels to Russia to assure Arctic relations, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Moscow says NATO meeting in the Arctic is a provocation, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden’s Prime Minister reaffirms commitment to country’s defense, Radio Sweden
United States: Russian bombers spotted outside Alaska…again, Alaska Public Media
