American and Canadian fighter jets were deployed this week to monitor Russian warplanes spotted in the Arctic, though the planes remained in international airspace and were not deemed a threat.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) sent out eight military aircraft, including Canadian CF-18s, U.S. F-35s, and refueling planes, along with an E-3 AWAC to track the activity.

The Arctic has become an increasingly strategic region, drawing attention from the U.S., Russia, and China, CBS News has reported.

Russia’s growing military presence, including nuclear submarines and hypersonic missile tests, has raised concerns, while both Moscow and Beijing defend their operations in the area.

Written by B.C. Begley