- Four Russian warplanes were observed flying near Alaska within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), but did not enter US or Canadian sovereign airspace.
- The recent Russian activities are considered a regular occurrence and not seen as a threat, according to NORAD.
- The increase in military activity in the region, including the presence of Russian and Chinese warships, has raised concerns.
Additional Coverage:
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced on Tuesday that it had observed and monitored four Russian warplanes flying near Alaska. The aircraft were operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area approximately 150 miles from the US coast that is monitored to provide a quicker response time in case of any potential hostile actions.
NORAD stated that the Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, emphasizing that this type of Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ is a regular occurrence and is not seen as a threat.
Russia confirmed on Wednesday that two of its Tu-95 bombers flew over waters near Alaska, escorted by SU-30SM fighter jets. The mission lasted for around 9 hours and Russia’s defense ministry stated that it was conducted in strict accordance with international airspace rules.
While these recent Russian warplane activities were not considered to be a risk, there has been an increase in military activity in the region in recent months. In August, the US Navy deployed destroyers to the coast of Alaska after 11 Russian and Chinese warships were observed sailing in nearby international waters. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska described the joint Chinese and Russian operation as unprecedented.
This is not the first time that American warplanes have intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska. Similar incidents occurred twice in the same week back in February.
NORAD employs a layered defense network comprising satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, as well as fighter jets to monitor and identify aircraft. The Alaskan NORAD Region, as detailed on its website, is responsible for monitoring activities in and near North American airspace 24/7.