The United States deployed nine fighter jets to intercept five Russian military aircraft detected near Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked the planes operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, February 19.
Incident Details
NORAD identified two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and one A-50 reconnaissance aircraft in the ADIZ, a region of international airspace requiring identification for national security. In response, NORAD launched two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3 airborne early warning aircraft, and four KC-135 tankers. The jets positively identified and escorted the Russian planes, which remained outside U.S. and Canadian sovereign airspace.
NORAD described the Russian incursions as routine and not threatening. The organization emphasized its readiness “to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.”
Understanding the Alaskan ADIZ
The Alaskan ADIZ defines a boundary where U.S. and Canadian defensive authority applies. It ensures the identification of all aircraft in this international airspace to protect national security. NORAD employs a layered defense network, including satellites, ground-based radars, airborne radars, and fighter jets, to monitor and respond to potential threats.
Recent Precedent
In 2024, officials released footage of a close encounter between a Russian fighter jet and a U.S. Air Force F-16 near Alaska. Captured on September 23, the video shows the Russian aircraft approaching from behind and overtaking the American jet at extremely close range, just feet apart. This incident occurred during another Russian operation in the ADIZ under NORAD oversight.
