U.S. Fighter Jets Scramble to Intercept Russian Aircraft Despite No Violations

U.S. jets were scrambled to intercept Russian bombers, fighters, and a surveillance aircraft flying near Alaska, though no airspace violation was reported.

United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The United States announced that several of its military aircraft were scrambled on an emergency basis to identify and intercept Russian military aircraft observed flying near the coast of Alaska.

According to U.S. officials, American fighter jets were launched to intercept several Russian bombers, fighter aircraft, and a reconnaissance plane detected operating off the Alaskan coast.

Citing the CBS News website, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement that two Tu-95 strategic bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and one Russian A-50 airborne early warning and reconnaissance aircraft were identified within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

No Violation of U.S. or Canadian Airspace

NORAD stated that it deployed two F-16 fighter jets, two F-35 fighter jets, and four KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft to escort the Russian planes until they exited the Alaska ADIZ.

The command emphasized that the Russian aircraft did not enter the sovereign airspace of either the United States or Canada.

The Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone is part of international airspace and begins where the sovereign airspace of the United States and Canada ends. According to NORAD, it is a defined area of international airspace in which the identification of all aircraft is required in the interest of national security.

Russian aircraft routinely conduct such flights in full compliance with international aviation regulations. (PW)