Russian nuclear bombers have carried out at least 16 missions in recent weeks near the northwest U.S. air defense identification zones, according to air command officials.

Maj. Beth Smith, spokesperson for the U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that Russian aircraft have conducted at least 16 operations in and around northern Canada and Alaska.

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The missions reportedly involved Tu-95 Bear H bombers and Tu-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance planes, though NORAD noted that one IL-20 surveillance aircraft was detected in one of the missions conducted over the past 10 days.

While Russian aircraft flying in airspace near Alaska and Canada are not unusual, Smith said the incursions were "a spike in activity" but sought to downplay the incident, saying the flights were assessed as routine exercises.

On June 9, four Russian Bear bombers flew near the Alaskan air defense zones. Two U.S. Air Force F-22 jets were sent to intercept the bombers.

While two of the Russian planes had turned back toward Russian airspace, the remaining nuclear bombers flew southeast and entered U.S. airspace near the coast of Northern California around 9:30 p.m., according to the Washington Free Beacon.

Two U.S. F-15 jets intercepted the planes which were already within 50 miles of the coast before it turned back and headed west.

NORAD official Jeff Davis said the incident was assessed as part of training, adding that the nuclear aircrafts had not encroached in U.S. territorial airspace.

Nevertheless, some U.S. officials have noted Russia's increased aerial missions, a scenario reminiscent of the Cold War when Soviet aircraft - in preparation for nuclear conflict - flew close to U.S. territories to trigger its defense strategies.

An unidentified official cited by the Washington Free Beacon said he believed recent Russian forays are intended to test U.S. air defense command and control.

"These are not just training missions," he said.

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and House Armed Services Committee member said the missions were unnecessary provocations.

"Truth of the matter is we would have squashed either one of those (bombers) like baby seals," he added.

Tensions between Russia and U.S. have soured since the former had annexed Crimea in June.

Last month, U.S. claimed Russia had violated a 1987 nuclear forces treaty by building a cruise missile.

Moscow had denied the allegations.

U.S. Strategic Commander Adm. Cecil Haney on June 18 said Russia's increased nuclear activities are a serious concern.

He said increased Russian aerial deployments have also been observed in Korea, Japan and the West Coast.

TagsRussia, US, NORAD, Nuclear bomber, Russian nuclear activity, Tu-95 Bear, Tu-142 Bear, airspace, Washington Free Beacon, Mike Conaway, nuclear conflict, Russian aircraft