US fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian nuke bombers heading to NATO

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The US and Russia come face to face in the sky amid deep tension over Ukraine (Image: Ministry of Defence, Russia /east2west news)

US fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Russian nuclear-capable 'Bear' bombers near Alaska.

The Russian Defence Ministry admitted that its formidable Tu-95MS strategic bombers made their presence known off the Alaskan coast during an extensive 11-hour patrol over the Bering Sea. The ministry stated: "At certain stages, the missile carriers were accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries".

Dramatic footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry showcases an encounter between a warplane from the Alaska Air National Guard, clearly identifiable with 'AK' and the number '304' emblazoned on its tail fin, and a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet providing escort.

The official statement from Russia detailed the operation: "Two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces' long-range aviation carried out a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea near the western coast of Alaska," adding, "The flight lasted over 11 hours. Crews of Su-30SM of the Aerospace Forces provided fighter support."

Video footage has been released of the incident (Image: Ministry of Defence, Russia /east2west news)

Moscow has asserted that "all flights of the Russian Aerospace Forces are carried out in strict compliance with international rules of airspace use".

The Tu-95 bombers, a key component of Russia's nuclear capabilities, have also been deployed to unleash devastating conventional missile attacks, wreaking havoc across Ukraine.

Despite their age, the Soviet-era Tu-95s, which first took to the skies around 70 years ago, continue to be a pivotal element of the Russian nuclear arsenal. These aircraft stand as the only propeller-powered strategic bombers still in operation worldwide.

The mission lasted for more than 11 hours (Image: Ministry of Defence, Russia /east2west news)

The incident in the skies comes as tensions escalate in Moscow following the US decision to restart significant arms deliveries to Ukraine as part of a staggering $61billion war aid package.

The White House has recently confirmed that it will provide Ukraine with a substantial security package, including much-needed air defence systems and artillery ammunition.

"We rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done," proclaimed US President Joe Biden during an event at the White House last week. "Now we need to move fast, and we are."