Aerial duel over Alaska intensifies as US intercepts Russian aircraft again
File photo: F-16 aircraft (Getty Images)
The US scrambled F-16 fighter jets for the fourth time in a week to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane near Alaska, which remained in international airspace, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The incident marked the fourth time in a week that US aviation responded to Russian aircraft activity in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.
Interception and security measures
To identify the Russian Il-20, NORAD deployed an E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, two F-16 fighter jets, and a KC-135 refueling plane. The command stressed that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate the sovereignty of either the US or Canada. NORAD described Russian activity in the Alaska identification zone as routine and not a threat.
What identification zone is
The air defense identification zone begins beyond sovereign airspace and covers an area of international skies where all aircraft are subject to identification in the interests of national security. NORAD uses a layered network of satellites, ground and airborne radars, and fighter aircraft to track flights and is prepared to respond as needed to protect North America.
Russian flights near Alaska
Similar interceptions took place on August 20, 21, and 24, when US F-16 jets and KC-135 refuelers identified Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft. Russian flights in international airspace near Alaska have thus become a regular occurrence in recent days. NORAD emphasized that its system remains on constant alert to ensure the security of North American airspace.
F-16 aircraft in Ukraine
This summer, Ukraine’s Air Force received its first mobile maintenance complexes for servicing F-16s. Developed and delivered by the Ukrainian foundation Come Back Alive under the initiative Project 61, the complexes significantly improve the mobility and survivability of the aircraft in wartime conditions, when Russian forces continue targeting jets and airfields. The Ministry of Defense has already presented the new mobile systems.
