The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported detecting four Russian military aircraft operating within Alaska’s air defense zone on Wednesday. According to a NORAD press release, two Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Su-35 multirole fighters were tracked in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on September 24, 2025. The command deployed an E-3 airborne warning aircraft, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 tanker planes to intercept and identify the Russian aircraft within the ADIZ.
The Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace and did not cross into U.S. or Canadian sovereign territory. NORAD emphasized that such activity occurs regularly and is not considered a direct threat. The ADIZ, which extends beyond national airspace, requires aircraft to be identified for security purposes. NORAD maintains a defense network including satellites, radar systems, and fighter jets to monitor and respond to potential risks.
Recent incidents include the detection of a Russian IL-20 COOT surveillance aircraft in the Alaskan ADIZ last month, prompting a similar intercept response. NORAD noted that Russian operations in the region are routine but remain under close scrutiny.
The announcement follows reports of Russian military activity near NATO member states. Three Russian MiG-31 fighters were observed flying over Estonia on September 19, with Italian F-35s reportedly forcing them to retreat. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the incursion, calling it an “unprecedentedly brazen” violation of airspace and urging increased pressure on Russia. NATO convened emergency discussions after the incident, invoking Article 4 of its charter.
