Army intercepts Russian aircraft near Alaska

An E-3 Sentry early warning and control aircraft, two F-16 fighter jets and a KC-135 tanker were dispatched to intercept the Russian aircraft, reports the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Although the area over which the Russian aircraft was flying does not belong to any particular country, aircraft entering it must identify themselves to the USA and Canada for national security reasons.

“The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian airspace. This Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” reads a NORAD statement.

NORAD has observed the same type of aircraft flying over the region in the past week. These latest incursions join similar flights spotted in January, April and July, illustrating a gradual increase in Russian military activity around Alaska this year.

In September 2024, NORAD released a video showing a Russian aircraft flying just a few meters from NORAD aircraft off the coast of Alaska. At the time, an American general stated that “the behavior of the Russian Su-35 was dangerous, unprofessional and put everyone at risk”.

“NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America,” says the release.