U.S. Intercepts Russian Aircraft Off Alaska Coast

U.S. fighter jets were launched to intercept multiple Russian aircraft flying off the coast of Alaska on Thursday. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that two Russian Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighter planes, and an A-50 spy plane were detected in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Interception Details

NORAD deployed two F-16s, two F-35s, and four KC-135s to escort the Russian aircraft. The Russian planes did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace and subsequently departed the Alaskan ADIZ.

NORAD characterized this activity as a regular occurrence and stated it was not considered a threat.

Alaskan ADIZ Explained

The Alaskan ADIZ is an international airspace area located adjacent to U.S. and Canadian sovereign airspace. It is designated for the identification of all aircraft to ensure national security.

Previous Incidents

Similar intercepts have occurred in the region previously:

• September 2025: U.S. fighter jets intercepted Russian Tu-95s and Su-35s in the Alaskan ADIZ.
• August 2025: NORAD intercepted a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft four times within one week.
• September 2024: A video from NORAD showed a Russian fighter jet flying close to a NORAD aircraft in the Alaskan ADIZ.
• July 2024: U.S. aircraft intercepted both Russian and Chinese bombers after they entered the Alaskan ADIZ. A U.S. defense official noted this marked the first joint entry by Russian and Chinese aircraft into the Alaskan ADIZ and the first time Chinese H-6 bombers encroached off Alaska.