On September 25 local time, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) stated in a declaration that U.S. fighter jets were scrambled on the 24th to identify and intercept four Russian military aircraft flying near Alaska.

NORAD reported that two Russian Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets were operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. In response on the 24th, NORAD dispatched an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 aerial refueling tankers to effectively identify and intercept the Russian aircraft within the zone.

There has been no response from the Russian side so far.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada bi-national organization established in 1958 to provide aerospace warning and control for the defense of North America. It is famously known for its Cheyenne Mountain Complex and for its public “NORAD Tracks Santa” program, which began as a misprinted newspaper ad in 1955 and has become an annual Christmas Eve tradition.

Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867 for $7.2 million. Its history is deeply rooted in the traditions of its indigenous peoples, who have inhabited the land for thousands of years. The region is renowned for its vast, dramatic wilderness, including glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife.

Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone

The Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is a designated airspace perimeter requiring aircraft to identify themselves before entering U.S. sovereign airspace. It was established during the Cold War to provide early warning and control against potential aerial threats, particularly from the Soviet Union. This zone remains a critical component of North American aerospace defense, managed by NORAD.

Russian Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers

The Tu-95 is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform designed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. First flying in 1952, it was developed to carry nuclear weapons across intercontinental distances, a role it maintains with the Russian Aerospace Forces today. Its distinctive feature is its powerful contra-rotating propellers, which give it a unique and recognizable appearance.

Russian Su-35 fighter jets

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a modern Russian single-seat, twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter jet, developed from the Su-27 “Flanker.” It entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014 and is designed as an advanced 4++ generation multirole aircraft, bridging the gap between older fighters and fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the Su-57. Known for its powerful engines and thrust-vectoring capabilities, the Su-35 is a key component of Russia’s current air power.

E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft

The E-3 Sentry, commonly known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), is a military aircraft developed by Boeing in the 1970s for the US Air Force. Its primary role is all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, using a distinctive large rotating radar dome mounted on its fuselage. Based on the Boeing 707 airframe, it has been a crucial component of NATO and allied air defense for decades.

F-16 fighter jets

An F-16 fighter jet is not a specific place or cultural site, but a type of multirole combat aircraft. It was originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force, with its first flight occurring in 1974. Renowned for its agility and versatility, the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” has been used by numerous air forces around the world for decades.

KC-135 aerial refueling tankers

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft that has been the backbone of the United States Air Force’s global reach since its introduction in 1957. Developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, which also led to the commercial 707, it was crucial for extending the range of bombers and fighters during the Cold War. It remains in service today, supporting virtually all US and allied aircraft.