Washington (CNN) US F-22 stealth jets and Canadian CF-18 fighters intercepted two Russian reconnaissance aircraft while they were flying off the Alaskan coast on Monday, according to North America Aerospace Defense Command.

The intercept comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Russian militaries as US officials have expressed concerns about increased Russian military activity in the Arctic.

The two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on Monday but did not enter US or Canadian airspace, remaining "in international airspace over the Beaufort Sea, and came as close as 50 nautical miles to the Alaskan coast," according to North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD.

NORAD F-22s, CF-18s, supported by KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, intercepted two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on Monday, March 9th. pic.twitter.com/39n3zqy8F8 — North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) March 10, 2020

The Russian planes flew in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone for about four hours.

US and Canadian aircraft routinely intercept Russian military aircraft in the area as part of the command's efforts to secure North American airspace.

Read More