The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that on April 14, 2025, it identified and subsequently intercepted six Russian military aircraft operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The interception occurred over the international waters of the Bering Sea, approximately 470 kilometres (about 290 miles) northeast of Shemya Island in the Aleutian chain. According to NORAD, the Russian formation remained in the area for approximately two and a half hours.
What types of aircraft operated near Alaska?
The presence of these specific Russian aircraft types illustrates the broad range of operations Moscow regularly conducts in the region. The aircraft involved have diverse roles and characteristics:
- Tupolev Tu-95 Bear H: A long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles, serving as a cornerstone of Russia’s long-range aviation since the 1950s.
- Tupolev Tu-142 F/J: A maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, specialising in the detection of submarines and surface vessels.
- Beriev A-50 Mainstay: An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, performing a role similar to the American AWACS.
- Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E: A modern multirole fighter aircraft known for its high manoeuvrability and advanced avionics; a logical choice for escorting strategic operations over neutral waters.
Interception carried out by US F-35 and F-16 fighters
NORAD’s response involved Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter jets, which identified, intercepted, and safely escorted the Russian aircraft. The command noted that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace throughout their mission and did not violate the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada.
Recent risky incidents draw attention
This was not an isolated event. According to NORAD officials, similar Russian operations near Alaska are regular and do not typically pose a direct security threat. However, several recent incidents have raised serious safety concerns.
For example, on February 18, 2025, two Russian Su-35 fighters were intercepted by US F-35s, also within the Alaskan ADIZ. Footage later appearing on Russian social media showed an Su-35 flying very close to the American aircraft, an action NORAD described at the time as an “unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre inconsistent with the behaviour expected of a professional air force.”
Increased US military activity near the Aleutian Islands
In response to growing Russian air activity in the region, the US military recently strengthened its capabilities on Shemya Island, near Alaska. Units of paratroopers and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems have been deployed there. The Pentagon announced this move as a precautionary measure as Alaska becomes an increasing focus of Russian military operations.
What is an ADIZ and what are its implications?
An Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is an area of airspace over international waters adjacent to a nation’s sovereign airspace where, for security reasons, authorities identify, monitor, and may control aircraft movements. This can involve escorting transiting aircraft, often using Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) fighter jets.
It is important to note that an ADIZ is distinct from sovereign airspace. Foreign military aircraft are not legally obligated to comply with ADIZ identification procedures, but they can be actively tracked and escorted, as is often the case with flights by Russian strategic bombers and patrol aircraft near Alaska.
Source: The Aviationist
