US scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian Tu-95 and Su-35 near Alaska
Illustrative photo: US F-16s intercept Russian Tu-95 and Su-35 aircraft (Getty Images)
US fighter jets on Wednesday, September 24, intercepted Russian Tu-95 and Su-35 aircraft flying near Alaska, this was stated in a report by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), according to CBS News.
According to NORAD, two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), which is international airspace adjacent to US and Canadian airspace.
To identify and intercept the Russian aircraft, the US deployed an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, four F-16 fighters, and four KC-135 tankers.
NORAD clarified that such Russian military activity in the Alaskan ADIZ is routine and not considered a threat.
However, as CBS News reports, it could serve as a test of the readiness of the US and its NATO allies.
A similar Russian provocation near Alaska took place last month, when US fighter jets were also scrambled for interception.
At the end of August, NORAD reported that it had detected and tracked a Russian reconnaissance aircraft in the ADIZ.
MiG-31 in Estonian airspace
Last week, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, flying near Tallinn.
Estonian authorities responded to the provocation by summoning a Russian diplomat to the Foreign Ministry and handing over a formal protest note.
