U.S. fighter jets scrambled on Wednesday, September 24, to intercept four Russian military aircraft reportedly approaching Alaska’s coastline, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This incident was the third in less than a month and marked the ninth interception in 2025.
The Russian formation consisted of two long-range TU-95 bombers and two Su-35s, flying inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) an international airspace where foreign aircraft need to identify themselves. NORAD in turn scrambled F-16 fighters with KC-135 refuelers and an E-3 surveillance aircraft to monitor and intercept the group.
What is the ADIZ & Why Does It Matter?
The Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) acts as a buffer of monitored airspace beyond national borders which is used by the U.S. and Canada for tracking aircraft approaching their territories.
An aircraft flying through the ADIZ violates international law is irrelevant for authorities expect said aircraft to inform and identify themselves for securing reasons.
NORAD has stated that under no circumstances did the Russian aircraft enter either U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace posing no immediate threat. This new frequency is adding to the geopolitical unease and given the state of affairs in the world right now.
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Global Pattern of Aerial Incursions
Similar airspace violations have been witnessed in Europe earlier this month, Poland and Estonia confirmed that Russian military aircraft had crossed into their airspace and Denmark too, reported suspicious drone activity near Copenhagen Airport. These incidents are part of a grander trend of Russian military activity close to NATO’s frontiers.
In Alaska the last few weeks a number of Russian low-altitude missions have been tracked including a reconnaissance plane in August with prior incidents where Russian jets came very close to U.S. aircraft which was captured by cameras and made public by NORAD last year.
Trump’s NATO Comments Stir Controversy
The former U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 23 that NATO allies should shoot down Russian planes illegally entering their airspace. Regarding whether he believed the U.S. should support such action, Trump said, “It depends on the circumstance.”
Trump announced intentions to arrange talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Moscow has shown no interest in talks escalating military activities all across Europe and the North American borders.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on official reports and public statements. It is for informational purposes and does not reflect classified military operations.
