Two of China’s H-6-series aircraft, along with a pair of Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers, flew through a portion of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) around Alaska on July 24, 2024. This marks the first time Chinese H-6s have operated in this region, potentially having flown from bases in Russia to reach their destination. This development signifies Beijing’s growing capability to project power and highlights the increasingly robust ties with Moscow, especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, and intercepted these aircraft, according to an official press release. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept, though the release did not specify which H-6 variants were involved. The H-6 family includes various models, such as missile carriers, aerial refueling tankers, and other specialized types designed to carry outsized weapons or payloads. It is also worth noting that U.S. officials sometimes misidentify Russian Tu-142 Bear maritime patrol aircraft as Tu-95 bombers.
The intercepting U.S. fighters were not specified, but it is likely that F-16s and/or F-22s were involved. In April, the U.S. Air Force transformed an F-16 aggressor squadron in Alaska into a unique air defense unit. Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s only fighters currently in service are CF-18 Hornets. According to NORAD, the Russian and Chinese aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This activity in the Alaska ADIZ is not considered a threat, but NORAD will continue to monitor such activities and respond as necessary.
The presence of Chinese H-6s in the region is a significant development. Alongside the Tu-95s, this maneuver is clearly intended to send a strategic message. The H-6s, generally used as missile carriers, flying near Alaska’s coast demonstrates a new capacity for Chinese forces to directly threaten the U.S. homeland.
Image: Xi’an H-6 – resource wikipedia
U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), had anticipated this development, indicating in February that the U.S. could see Chinese aircraft operating near its air defense identification zones. This highlights a growing concern about China’s expanding capabilities, not only with aircraft but also with ships and submarines, allowing them to operate further from China and closer to U.S. shores.
Guillot also provided similar testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee shortly after his statement to the House. This event is not the first instance of Russian and Chinese Tu-95s and H-6s conducting long-range sorties together, reflecting deepening military cooperation between the two countries as Russia becomes more isolated globally due to its actions in Ukraine.
The exact origins and destinations of the Chinese H-6s for this operation remain unclear, but it is plausible that bases in Russia were used as launch and/or recovery points, given the range of these aircraft. In 2022, Russian Tu-95MS bombers and Chinese H-6K missile carriers landed at each other’s bases after conducting a joint patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, an event that prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble their fighters. There is also evidence suggesting that Russia or North Korea may have provided airspace access to China for the first known flight of a Chinese WZ-7 Soaring Dragon high-altitude drone over the Sea of Japan.
RAF Typhoon Quick Reaction Alert aircraft were launched from RAF Leuchars to determine the identity of unknown aircraft that approached the NATO Air Policing Area north of Scotland and could not be identified by other means. The aircraft were subsequently identified as Russian military reconnaissance (Bears). The Russian Bears aircraft remained in international airspace as they are perfectly entitled to do.Organization: RAF Object Name: LEU-OFFICIAL-20140423-0326-0015 Category: MOD Supplemental Categories: Equipment, Aircraft, Foreign Aircraft Keywords: QRA, Russia, Russian, Bear, Aircraft, Quick Reaction Alert, Intercept Country: Scotland
Guillot noted in February that Russian and Chinese naval forces have also been increasingly active around Alaska and the broader Arctic region. A joint patrol by 11 Chinese and Russian naval vessels near Alaska’s Aleutian Islands last year led to calls from Congress to expand the U.S. military presence in the region, including establishing a permanent U.S. Navy base. The Arctic’s strategic significance is growing due to receding ice opening new avenues for competition over natural resources and trade routes.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks highlighted the growing cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic during a briefing on the Pentagon’s latest Arctic Strategy. She emphasized China’s interest in greater influence, access, and governance in the region, which is concerning given China’s strategic ambitions.
The sorties into the Alaska ADIZ reflect both countries’ desire to project power closer to American shores. Chinese aircraft are likely to become an increasingly common presence in the region, signaling a new era of Sino-Russian military cooperation and power projection in the Arctic.
Geopolitical Impact
The geopolitical ramifications of this development are profound. By conducting joint military operations so close to U.S. territory, China and Russia are demonstrating their ability to challenge American dominance in the Arctic and the Pacific. This maneuver can be seen as a direct response to the increased U.S. military presence in Asia, particularly in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, it underscores the alignment of Chinese and Russian strategic interests, particularly in countering U.S. influence globally.
China’s participation in these sorties indicates its growing ambition to assert its military presence far beyond its traditional spheres of influence. This move aligns with China’s broader strategic goals, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand Chinese influence through infrastructure and economic investments worldwide. The Arctic region, with its untapped resources and emerging shipping routes due to melting ice, is becoming a new frontier for geopolitical competition, and China is keen to establish a foothold.
Russia, on the other hand, has long viewed the Arctic as a strategic priority. The region is home to vast natural resources, including oil and gas, and is crucial for Russia’s economic future. The cooperation with China helps Russia bolster its military capabilities in the Arctic and strengthens its geopolitical position as it faces increasing isolation from Western countries due to its actions in Ukraine.
Technical Innovations
The technical aspects of this joint operation highlight significant advancements in both Chinese and Russian military aviation. The Chinese H-6 bombers involved in the operation are likely advanced variants, such as the H-6K or H-6N. These models are equipped with modern avionics, extended range, and the capability to carry a variety of precision-guided munitions, including air-launched cruise missiles. The H-6N, for instance, is capable of aerial refueling, which significantly extends its operational range, making it a formidable tool for power projection.
The Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers, despite being an older platform, have undergone numerous upgrades over the years. The Tu-95MS variant, for example, is equipped with modern electronics and capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles. The endurance and range of the Tu-95 make it a strategic asset for Russia, capable of reaching targets far from its borders.
The interoperability demonstrated by the joint sortie suggests a high level of coordination and technological compatibility between the Chinese and Russian air forces. This includes shared communication protocols, navigation systems, and possibly joint training exercises that have enhanced their operational synergy.
Historical Context
Historically, joint military operations between major powers are not unprecedented, but the Sino-Russian cooperation marks a significant shift in global power dynamics. During the Cold War, the U.S. and its NATO allies regularly conducted joint exercises to counter the Soviet threat. Similarly, the Warsaw Pact nations, led by the Soviet Union, held large-scale military drills to demonstrate their collective strength.
The current Sino-Russian partnership can be seen as a modern iteration of such strategic alliances, albeit with a more pronounced focus on countering U.S. influence. The partnership between China and Russia has been steadily growing over the past two decades, with numerous joint military exercises, naval patrols, and coordinated diplomatic efforts on global issues.
For instance, the Vostok 2018 exercise, held in September 2018, was one of the largest military drills conducted by Russia since the end of the Cold War. It involved nearly 300,000 troops, including units from China, and showcased the ability of the two countries to conduct large-scale, coordinated military operations. Similarly, the joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Japan have demonstrated the increasing operational integration of Chinese and Russian forces.
Strategic Considerations
The timing and location of the joint sorties into the Alaska ADIZ are strategically significant. Alaska is a critical location for U.S. missile defense systems, with facilities such as the Fort Greely missile defense complex and the Eielson Air Force Base playing key roles in the U.S. defense strategy. By flying near these sensitive areas, China and Russia are likely testing the responsiveness and capabilities of U.S. and Canadian air defenses, while also sending a clear message about their ability to operate in the region.
Moreover, the Arctic region is becoming increasingly contested due to its potential economic and strategic value. The melting ice is opening new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route, which could significantly reduce transit times between Europe and Asia. Both China and Russia are keen to secure their interests in this emerging maritime corridor.
China, although not an Arctic nation, has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and has been actively pursuing its interests in the region. It has invested in Arctic infrastructure projects, conducted scientific research, and sought to establish its presence through initiatives like the Polar Silk Road. Russia, with its extensive Arctic coastline and vast resource reserves, is already heavily invested in the region and views it as a key component of its national strategy.
Potential Responses and Future Implications
The joint sortie by Chinese and Russian bombers is likely to prompt a range of responses from the United States and its allies. In the short term, there may be an increase in air patrols and readiness levels in the Alaska ADIZ and other critical regions. The U.S. may also expedite plans to enhance its military infrastructure in the Arctic, including the possible establishment of a permanent Navy base as previously discussed by Congress.
In the longer term, the U.S. and its allies may need to re-evaluate their strategic posture and develop new strategies to counter the growing capabilities of China and Russia. This could involve enhancing missile defense systems, increasing investments in advanced military technology, and strengthening alliances with other Arctic and non-Arctic nations to counterbalance the Sino-Russian partnership.
The increasing frequency and complexity of joint military operations between China and Russia suggest that this partnership will continue to evolve and pose significant challenges to the existing international order. As both nations seek to expand their influence and secure their interests, the potential for strategic competition and confrontation with the United States and its allies will likely grow.
Conclusion
The joint operation of Chinese H-6 bombers and Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers into the Alaska ADIZ on July 24, 2024, is a landmark event that underscores the deepening military cooperation between China and Russia. This development has significant geopolitical, technical, and strategic implications, highlighting the evolving power dynamics in the Arctic and beyond. As China and Russia continue to enhance their military capabilities and strategic coordination, the international community must adapt to this new reality and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by this emerging alliance.
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