The United States military launched nine fighter jets to intercept five Russian warplanes detected near Alaska, heightening concerns about global tensions. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked the aircraft in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, February 19.

Details of the Russian Aircraft and US Response

NORAD identified two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and one A-50 reconnaissance plane operating within the ADIZ, a region of international airspace requiring aircraft identification for national security. In response, NORAD deployed two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3 airborne early warning aircraft, and four KC-135 tankers to positively identify and escort the Russian planes.

The Russian aircraft remained outside U.S. and Canadian sovereign airspace throughout the encounter. NORAD described such incursions as routine and not an immediate threat, while affirming readiness “to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.”

Understanding the Alaskan ADIZ

The Alaskan ADIZ serves as a buffer zone where U.S. and Canadian authorities identify all aircraft to protect national security. NORAD employs a layered defense network, including satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, and fighter jets, to monitor and respond to potential threats.

Recent History of Close Encounters

These events follow a pattern of Russian flights near Alaska. In 2024, officials released video footage from a September 23 incident showing a Russian fighter jet approaching a U.S. Air Force F-16 at extremely close range—mere feet apart—during an intercept mission under NORAD guidance. Such confrontations underscore ongoing military activities in the region just beyond U.S. airspace.