Last week, a Russian fighter jet came dangerously close to an American F-16, approaching within 50 feet of its nose, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Russian pilot’s maneuver posed a serious risk, said NORAD officials.
On Monday, NORAD released a video showing the dramatic incident, capturing the exact moment when the Russian fighter passed at a high speed just ahead of the American jet.
The incident took place on September 23, during a period of heightened Russian aircraft activity within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This zone, which extends 150 miles from Alaska’s coast, is international airspace. However, any aircraft passing through it must identify themselves or face interception by NORAD.
That day, two U.S. F-16 fighter jets intercepted two Russian Tu-95 bombers escorted by two Su-35 fighter jets. During the intercept, one of the Russian Su-35s made an unsafe maneuver, flying too close to one of the American jets. General Gregory Guillot, NORAD’s commander, described the action as “unsafe and unprofessional,” noting that it endangered everyone involved.