The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported the detection and interception of a group of Russian military aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. On Thursday evening local time, a total of nine U.S. aircraft, including modern F-35 and F-16 fighters, were scrambled. While the incident was deemed routine, the scale of forces involved and the composition of the Russian formation attracted international attention, fitting into the growing tension along the Washington-Moscow line.

Interception of Russian bombers

U.S. aviation identified two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and an A-50 aircraft in the Air Defense Identification Zone off the coast of Alaska.

Broad mobilization of U.S. forces

A total of 9 aircraft were dispatched, including the most advanced F-35 and F-16 fighters, an E-3 AWACS aircraft, and four KC-135 tankers.

No airspace violation

NORAD officially confirmed that the Russian units did not violate the sovereign airspace of the U.S. or Canada, operating in international corridors.

On Thursday evening local time, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected five Russian aircraft operating in the ADIZ off the southern and western coasts of Alaska. The Russian group consisted of two Tu-95 strategic bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and an A-50 early warning aircraft. In response to the approaching units, the U.S. side scrambled significant forces to monitor and escort the Russian aircraft until they left the zone. Since the Cold War, flights of Russian strategic bombers near the coasts of the U.S. and Canada have been used as a demonstration of strength and a test of Western early warning systems' readiness. A total of nine U.S. aircraft took part in the operation, representing a significant show of force. The contingent's composition included two F-16 fighters, two modern F-35 fighters, an E-3 AWACS command aircraft, and four KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, which provided fuel support for the operating units. Military representatives emphasized that the Russian aircraft did not violate U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace, remaining in international flight corridors. Nevertheless, the presence of the A-50 aircraft suggests the Russians were conducting active surveillance and monitoring of the operational parameters of U.S. radar systems. 9 — U.S. aircraft scrambled to intercept the Russians Security experts note that such provocations aim to test the response time of the U.S. Air Force and the cooperation procedures within NORAD. In a statement issued by the command, it was emphasized that the operation proceeded in a professional and safe manner, and the Russian aircraft did not pose a direct military threat. However, this incident coincides with global tensions resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine, lending a new, higher political significance to what were previously routine overflights. The U.S. command regularly records similar incidents, but the deployment of such advanced units as the F-35 indicates the priority given to protecting air borders. Russian aircraft: 5, U.S. fighters: 4, U.S. tankers and support: 5

Mentioned People

  • Władimir Putin — President of Russia, in the context of accusations of provoking Western defense systems.