US Air Force fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russia Bear bombers on American border as tensions heat up

US warplanes have intercepted a number of Russian bombers nearing its borders, according to Pentagon officials.

The military jets responded to the
pair of Russian bombers and two fighter jets near the state of Alaska today.

Russian Tu-95 Bear long range bomber
Russian Tu-95 Bear long range bomber

Two Russian Bear bombers – escorted by a pair of Su-35 “Flanker” fighter jets – entered Alaska’s Air Defence Zone early this morning, US officials told Fox News.

The Russian bomber formation was intercepted by a pair of US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets.

This happened about 50 miles southwest of Chariot, Alaska.

A US Airforce F22 stealth fighter jet had been on patrol when it was called to intercept one of Putin's bombers
A US Air Force F22 stealth fighter jet had been on patrol when it was called to intercept one of Putin’s bombers

The Russian fighter jets were unarmed and remained in international airspace, officials said.

This comes after Moscow carried out practice bomber missions on April 17, 18 and 20.

But the latest war game is the first time Moscow has sent Su-35 jets to protect its bomber.

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Trump warns of nuclear war if US can't get on with Russia

The drama comes just a day after President Trump spoke over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The White House said talks focused on crises in the Middle East and North Korea, with no mention of recent Russian provocations.

The chat was described as "a very good one".

Last month Trump said US relations with Russia were at an "all-time low" and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also dubbed the relationship between the rival nations as being at a "low point".

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