Russian bomber intercepted by US fighter jets

A Russian naval bomber has approached a US aircraft carrier off the Korean coast and has been intercepted by American fighter jets.

According to the Pentagon, the Russian plane came within three to five sea miles and flew 600 metres above the USS Nimitz supercarrier and its accompanying ships. After this two fighters were scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft and escort it out of the area.

A Russian defence official said the Russian bomber did not break international law by flying over the ship. The official explained that the country's military aircraft regularly perform naval flights on approved routes over seas and oceans, and called the media fuss about the incident surprising.

Last month, two Russian bombers also approached and flew over the Nimitz near Japan. In both cases, U.S. authorities said they didn't consider these flights a threat or concern.