Russian aircraft near Alaska – US and Canada respond

On Thursday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that it had detected several Russian military aircraft in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) near Alaska.

These included two Tu-95 strategic bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and an A-50 early warning aircraft.

According to a statement by the organization, which is jointly operated by the US and Canada, the Russian aircraft were operating in international airspace, but their presence required an immediate response.

NORAD dispatched two F-16 fighters, two F-35s, an E-3 early warning aircraft, and four KC-135 refueling aircraft. The goal was to intercept, identify, and escort the Russian aircraft until they left the zone.

According to available information, the incident took place without violating the sovereign airspace of the US or Canada.

(reuters, pir)