Russian MiG-31s Allegedly Intercept Global Hawk Over Arctic Waters
Aug. 11, 2020 | By Amy McCullough
The Russian military claims three MiG-31s scrambled to intercept an RQ-4B operating in neutral waters over the Chukchi Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean bound in the east by Point Barrow, Alaska, on Aug. 11.
The remotely piloted aircraft remained in international territory and the MiGs, which belong to the air defense forces of the Eastern Military District, returned to their bases when the Global Hawk changed directions without crossing into Russian airspace, according to state-run media, which also noted “the operation was performed in accordance with international law.â€
The move comes just three weeks after the Department of the Air Force released its first-ever Arctic strategy, which acknowledges Russia’s efforts to militarize the region. Russia—one of eight Arctic nations—is refurbishing airfields and Arctic infrastructure, building new bases, and “developing an integrated network of air defense, coastal missile systems, and early warning radar to secure its northern approaches,†states the strategy, which also notes that, “No other country has as much permanent military presence above the 66th parallel.â€
https://www.airforcemag.com/russian-mig-31s-allegedly-intercept-global-hawk-over-arctic-waters/
