Russian Fighter Jet Intercepts American Plane Off Alaska Coast
- NORAD tracked several Russian military aircraft in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone in September 2024.
- A Russian Su-35 fighter jet performed an unsafe maneuver near a NORAD aircraft, leading to criticism from military officials.
- Despite the increase in Russian aircraft activity, NORAD asserts that these operations are regular and do not threaten U.S. airspace.
In September 2024, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) monitored several Russian military aircraft operating in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This area, which surrounds U.S. sovereign airspace, saw increased Russian activity, including the tracking of multiple aircraft over several days. On September 23, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet conducted an unsafe maneuver, flying dangerously close to a NORAD aircraft during an intercept operation. NORAD's commander, Gen. Gregory Guillot, criticized the Russian pilot's actions as unprofessional and a danger to all involved. Despite these incidents, NORAD stated that such Russian operations are regular occurrences and do not pose a direct threat to U.S. airspace. The frequency of Russian aircraft entering the ADIZ has increased, with 26 instances reported the previous year and 25 so far in 2024. This uptick in activity coincides with heightened military drills involving Russia and China, raising concerns about regional security dynamics. The U.S. military remains vigilant, deploying aircraft to ensure safe and disciplined responses to these incursions, reflecting ongoing tensions in the area.