I think they are pinging the stealth tech and probing electronic signatures of the aircraft to develop detection technology. It is amazing the stealth bomber is actually more stealthy then the smaller aircraft because of the wavelengths involved. I saw a picture of an aircraft from high altitude using tech that tracked its disturbance from the shock wave it produced in the atmosphere. I think it was released to get the Russians and Chinese thinking that we are ahead in development of tracking supersonic missiles and craft. the X-37b orbital vehicle may have been an initial platform for the tech in experimental stage. It would also tested for accuracy on slower craft and trajectory and targeting of ballistic missiles. the F35 has a anti ballistic munition that can target the missles on accent. But also, stealth has to disturb the atmosphere to. It would be a game changer. There is an SR72 hyper sonic strike platform already developed supposedly and also hypersonic aircraft carrier killers that can maneuver.

"just checking to see if ya'll were home" That F22 sure is a sexy ass plane next to that flying pile of rubbish.

Gotta love that black contrail exhaust. What do those Tupolevs burn, Diesel?

Four bombers escorted by two of Russia's latest fighter/interceptors seems like an escalation from what I remember while in the Air Force. Usually it was one bomber. Four nuke-capable bombers and two fighters coming at your territory seems like a potential threat to me. However, it just gives our air forces practice intercepting ...

This article is wrong in several respects:

1) Russian aircraft flying close to US airspace to test American response is routine. This happens with other countries and the US does the same, frequently.

2) The author of this article is apparently unaware that Ukrainka Air Base in the Russian Far East exists, and has for the past 60 years or so. A quick glance at the base in Google maps shows Tu-95s on the tarmac.

Given the instability in the world today kindly please stick to researched facts. Thank you.

I guarantee that we are doing the same thing to them. Both countries have been doing this forever.

These continued Russian incursions are the sign of a very weak president, at least according to Trump in the 2016 campaign.

Now if only the NY Jets could intercept their opponents as effectively.

Why the "Russian Threat" gets in the news so much is beyond me. With a per capita GDP of $8,898, male life expectancy of 65.6 years, a population that has been shrinking since 1990, fertility of 1.75, a defunct democracy and a largely corrupt and bought-off private sector that has kept economic growth stifled at .6% per year since 2011, this country is no threat to anyone other than its own citizens.

"Tell Vladimir that after my election I'll have more flexibility." Why are Democrats always trying to lower America's defenses for the Russians?

Just fire a warning shot with a Sidewinder thru their fuselage and politely as them to disappear in the ocean.

Taunting and hoping for an incident.

So what's Putin's game?

I can see it from my backyard

Did the F-22 pilot fly upside down over the Russian bomber and flick them off?

If the Russians are doing practice attack runs, maybe our interceptors should be doing some target practice with dummy-warhead missiles.

Russia is simple helping America defend the United States and Russia from a common enemy.....North Korea!

LOL.

Nyet...nyet..

We no have plane in dat sky like US of A say we du...

How does Russia keep the rubber bands to the propellers from snapping in the cold weather?

How were the F-22 Raptors in the photos? They're stealth!!

Another reminder message to Donnie the ruble washer.

This wouldn't have happened if Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Carter, Ford, LBJ, Kennedy, Eisenhower were President!

Those pesky Russians have their nerve flying their aircraft in International Airspace.......

All a co-ordinated stunt between Trump & Putin. Let me know when we actually shoot down a Russian plane.

My gosh, this has never happened before! What will become of me? I don't know if I will ever recover! Woe is me!!!

I heard Trump just advised Putin that he will have more flexibility after the next election.

Kind of suspicious for this to occur shortly after a judge ruled to release Trumps financial records. Considering the last run was in July 2015, just one month after Trump declared his candidacy for 2016...Hmmm

Russian Bombers use inaccurate navigation equipment to the digital system within each airplane and satellite. It is likely there is a simply rate of error while in flight.

Why doesn't Putin just start sending in troops with unmarked uniforms? It worked last time. Just the thought of it makes me a little paranoid. But at least we have Trump to stop him.

More like a pest than a threat. I wonder if things would get more serious if the Russians were flying 200 miles from LA instead of Alaska?

Russia is demonstrating to the world, that they still have the ability to make those planes fly.

"Russia is our friends!!!" -conservatives

Better look out Trump Just MIGHT SELL ALASKA TO THE RUSSIANS

Those carry cruise missiles that fly 5000 kilometers if they were an actual threat not just training they wouldn't have to fly very far from the base they took off from to do damage , this has been going on for decades and shouldn't even make the news anymore except the media had a slow day

Not news This has been going on by both countries for decades. Pluses both countries allow over flight formtreaty varifacations.

Maybe Trump promised Putin they could have Alaska back if he wins in 2020.

Make Alaska Russian Again!