Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers, for the second time in as many days, flew close to the Alaska shore prompting an Air Force response. The bombers, which were spotted about 41 miles off the coast of Alaska on Tuesday, prompted an Air Force E-3 Sentry to scramble and track the bombers, CNN reported. The provocation comes one day after Bear bombers flew near Alaska, and two F-22s scrambled in response. The F-22s intercepted the bombers in a “safe and professional” manner, the Pentagon said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…