U.S. jets intercept Russian spy plane near Alaska again
- U.S. fighter jets were scrambled on August 27 to track a Russian spy plane, marking a frequent occurrence in recent days.
- This incident involved a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft, tracked within Alaskan airspace, not entering U.S. or Canadian territory.
- The ongoing Russian military activity in the ADIZ indicates the necessity for continuous monitoring, though it is not viewed as a direct threat.
In a notable escalation of military monitoring, the U.S. military detected a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace close to Alaska. Over a span of less than a week, this marked the fourth sighting of the same type of Russian spy plane, occurring on August 20, August 21, August 24, and the latest detection on August 27, 2025. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that its fighter jets were scrambled each time to track the aircraft, which was operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This region is designated as international airspace, requiring the identification of all aircraft flying through it for national security. Despite the repeated incursions by Russian military aircraft, NORAD maintained that this activity is common and does not constitute an immediate threat to U.S. or Canadian sovereignty. The IL-20 COOT is a Cold War-era reconnaissance plane, known for its surveillance capabilities. The military command deployed a variety of aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry and F-16s, alongside a KC-135 tanker to effectively monitor the spy plane during these instances. NORAD has been proactive in its defense strategy, employing a multi-layered detection system that consists of satellites, radar, and airborne assets to monitor such incursions. Multiple previous instances of Russian aircraft interacting with the ADIZ have occurred in 2025, including additional detections in February and April. U.S. officials have stated that they are prepared to respond to any possible threats emanating from foreign military activities in this sensitive area. The Russian military's activities in the ADIZ reflect increasing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Arctic region where military presence has been intensifying. Last year's findings, wherein NORAD had deployed combat air patrols, indicated a pattern of heightened military readiness, in preparation for potential scenarios arising from ongoing conflicts or diplomatic strife. Overall, the consistent monitoring of Russian aircraft underlines the ongoing need for vigilance in regional security matters as tensions continue to evolve globally.