The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the detection of four Russian military aircraft operating within Alaska’s air defense zone on Wednesday. According to a statement, NORAD tracked two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on September 24, 2025. The command deployed an E-3 airborne warning aircraft, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 refueling tankers to monitor and identify the Russian planes.
The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not cross into U.S. or Canadian territorial boundaries. NORAD emphasized that such activity occurs regularly and is not considered a threat. The ADIZ, which extends beyond sovereign airspace, requires all aircraft to be identified for national security purposes. NORAD maintains a multi-layered defense system involving satellites, radar networks, and fighter jets to ensure vigilance over North American airspace.
Recent reports highlighted similar Russian operations in the region. Last month, NORAD intercepted an IL-20 COOT surveillance plane in the Alaskan ADIZ, using comparable aircraft to confirm its identity. Meanwhile, Russia faced accusations of violating Estonian airspace, with three MiG-31 jets reportedly entering Estonian territory on September 19. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the incident as an unprecedented provocation, citing multiple previous violations this year. The breach prompted NATO allies to convene under Article 4 following Estonia’s request.