Russian Military Aircraft Enters Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone without Violating US Space: Ongoing Monitoring and Surveillance Measures Taken by Both Countries
In recent days, Russia has deployed a fleet of Tu-95MS, Su-30, and Su-35S aircraft in the airspace near Alaska. The US Air Force responded by sending F-16s to monitor the situation. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, two Tu-95MS bombers conducted a planned flight over international airspace in the Bering Sea, near the west coast of Alaska, with fighter jets escorting them.
The flight lasted over 11 hours and was closely followed by an F-16 fighter from the US Air Force. Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S monitored the rear during the mission. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its Strategic Air Force routinely operates in international airspace in various regions, including the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific Ocean, in compliance with international regulations.
The North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) reported the presence of Russian military aircraft in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), emphasizing that the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate US airspace. NORAD clarified that Russian military activities in the Alaska ADIZ were regular and not deemed as a threat.
Since 2007, Russian military aircraft have regularly entered the Alaska ADIZ without breaching US airspace. Both Russia and the US engage in professional and safe monitoring activities when aircraft approach each other’s territories. The situation highlights ongoing monitoring and surveillance measures taken by both countries in
