The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported on Tuesday the detection and tracking of four Russian warplanes flying near Alaska.
These military aircraft were observed operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area extending approximately 150 miles from the U.S. coast, which is monitored to enhance response capabilities in the event of hostile activities.
NORAD clarified that the Russian aircraft remained within international airspace and did not breach American or Canadian sovereign airspace. The statement from NORAD emphasized that such Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ is routine and is not considered a threat.
According to Reuters, Russia confirmed on Wednesday that two Tu-95 bombers flew over waters adjacent to Alaska, accompanied by SU-30SM fighter jets. Russia’s defense ministry stated that the flight lasted approximately 9 hours and adhered to international airspace regulations, as affirmed by Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash.
While the presence of these Russian warplanes was deemed non-threatening, recent military activities in the region have garnered attention. In August, the U.S. Navy dispatched destroyers to Alaska’s coast following the sighting of 11 Russian and Chinese warships in nearby international waters. Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican representing Alaska, characterized the scale of this joint Chinese and Russian operation as “unprecedented.”
Last February, U.S. warplanes intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska on two occasions within the same week.