US fighter jets have resumed combat alert duty at Eareckson Air Base in the western Aleutian Islands for the first time since the 1990s. Military Watch attributes the return to the growing capabilities of Russian and Chinese bomber fleets, which are changing the strategic situation around Alaska.

During the Cold War, the installation hosted American fighters assigned to counter Soviet aircraft. Its military importance is now increasing again as Moscow and Beijing upgrade their long-range aviation and conduct joint missions near Alaska. According to the publication, these developments have brought renewed attention to a base that previously played a key role in confronting Soviet air power.

Russia’s modernization efforts include the revival of Tu-160 strategic bomber production, with manufacturing now focused on the upgraded Tu-160M. New weapons are expected to significantly increase the aircraft’s strike capabilities. However, Military Watch reports that Russia’s separate program to develop the PAK DA stealth bomber has fallen seriously behind schedule.

China has also expanded its bomber operations in the region. In July 2024, Chinese H-6 aircraft joined Russian forces for flights near Alaska for the first time. The Chinese bombers operated from Russian airfields during these missions, marking a new stage in military aviation cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond these joint operations, Military Watch highlights the extensive range of air-to-surface missiles available to the H-6 family, allowing the aircraft to engage both land and naval targets. The publication assesses that the H-6N variant can strike targets in Alaska directly from bases in mainland China while requiring minimal support from aerial refueling aircraft.