NORAD spots Russian aircraft near Alaska after US troop deployment

On September 23, 2024, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This detection occurred shortly after the U.S. Army deployed approximately 130 soldiers to a remote island in Alaska as part of a force protection operation. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace, which is a common occurrence and not perceived as a threat by NORAD. The recent increase in Russian military activity in the region coincides with joint military exercises conducted by Russia and China. NORAD has reported a rise in the frequency of Russian aircraft entering the ADIZ, with 25 instances recorded so far this year, compared to an average of six or seven annually in previous years. The U.S. military's response included the deployment of soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, which is stationed in Alaska, to enhance readiness in light of these developments. The detection of Russian aircraft is part of a broader pattern of military activity in the region, which has seen heightened tensions and increased military presence from both Russia and the U.S. The U.S. Coast Guard has also been monitoring Russian naval vessels operating near Alaska, indicating a complex security environment in the Arctic region. Overall, while the presence of Russian military aircraft is regularly monitored, it underscores the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and military readiness in North America, particularly in response to perceived threats from foreign military exercises.