US Jets Escort Russian Military Aircraft from Alaskas Air Defence Zone

US Deploys Fighter Jets After Russian Military Aircraft Spotted in Alaska’s Air Defense Zone

The United States has dispatched fighter jets to intercept Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace near Alaska, according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). On Friday, NORAD reported that two Russian Tu-95s, two Su-35s, and one A-50 were detected and tracked within Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

According to NORAD, the Russian aircraft did not enter US or Canadian sovereign airspace. The command responded by sending two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3, and four KC-135s to escort the Russian planes until they departed Alaska’s ADIZ.

It is worth noting that Russia’s Ministry of Defence has not issued a statement on the matter. However, NORAD stated that Russian aircraft are regularly observed in Alaska’s ADIZ. The command also clarified that this type of activity is not considered a threat.

The incident occurred as part of a broader trend of countries declaring Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZs), which require foreign military aircraft to identify themselves upon entering specific zones of airspace. These zones are not recognized in international law and are overseen by individual nations rather than an international body.

In July 2024, the US and Canada intercepted two Chinese and two Russian bombers operating in Alaska’s ADIZ, marking a notable expansion of military cooperation between Russia and China. The incident has raised concerns among the US and its allies about regional stability.

Source: Al Jazeera