NORAD intercepts Russian aircraft in air defense zone near Alaska

NORAD’s press service reported on September 25.

To intercept the Russian aircraft, NORAD deployed one E-3 long-range radar detection aircraft, four F-16 fighters, and four KC-135 refueling aircraft. NORAD noted that the Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not violate the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada.

Such flights by Russian aviation in the Alaska ADIZ occur regularly and are not considered an immediate threat. Russia has not commented on the incident.

The command explained that the ADIZ is a section of international airspace, located beyond sovereign territory, where the identification of all aircraft is mandatory for reasons of national security.

This is not the first time NORAD has responded to Russian aircraft. In February 2025, the joint command reported a similar incident, stating that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace. The U.S. does not consider such incidents a threat.

NORAD also reported that on July 5, 2025, an F-16 fighter intercepted a civilian aircraft that violated temporarily closed airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Trump’s golf club is located.