This is a harmless ELINT aircraft, not a bomber/ASW. It did not necessarily need to be intercepted by a fighter - a Skyhawk was quite sufficient.
The Tu-126 was intended for AEW&C purposes, however it was often used for ELINT due to many complications with EW&C.
In general, it was a very "Soviet" aircraft - minimal comfort for the crew, terrible working conditions for operators, and low-quality electronic equipment.
According to Wikipedia, the photo was taken in 1973 over the Mediterranean Sea, the Skyhawk was from the USS Intrepid.