Summary
U.S. fighter jets responded to several Russian military aircraft flying in international airspace near Alaska. The Russian planes were tracked in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone, but did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory. Such incidents occur routinely and are not considered a threat.
Key Facts
- U.S. jets escorted Russian military aircraft from Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
- The Russian aircraft included two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and one A-50 aircraft.
- The U.S. deployed two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3, and four KC-135s in response.
- The Russian planes stayed in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.
- NORAD stated that Russian activity in the ADIZ is common and not considered a threat.
- ADIZs are not governed by international law and require foreign military aircraft to identify themselves.
- In July 2024, the U.S. and Canada intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers in the same zone, highlighting growing military coordination between Russia and China.
