The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that on Thursday local time (February 19), it detected and tracked 5 Russian military aircraft in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In the face of larger Russian aerial formations in recent years, the U.S. military responded promptly by deploying a total of 9 military aircraft for interception and escort.
According to NORAD’s statement and relevant flight records, the 5 Russian Aerospace Force fighter jets entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, including 2 Tu-95MS strategic bombers with nuclear strike capabilities, 2 Su-35S multi-role fighter jets for escort, and 1 A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft responsible for battlefield surveillance and data transmission.
The joint U.S.-Canada forces immediately dispatched 9 aircraft in response, consisting of 2 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, 2 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, 1 E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, and 4 KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft to ensure prolonged airborne interception capabilities.
NORAD, with its “layered defense network” composed of satellites and radars, successfully intercepted the Russian aircraft, emphasizing that the Russian planes did not enter U.S.-Canadian sovereign airspace and were not considered a threat, but reiterating the determination to defend North America.
“Such activities by Russia in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone occur frequently and are not considered threatening,” the statement read. “However, for national security reasons, all aircraft in the area need to be identified at all times.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense responded on Friday (February 20) stating that the operation was a “routine cruise over neutral waters.” It emphasized that the flight lasted over 10 hours and was conducted “strictly in accordance with international law,” acknowledging being accompanied by U.S. fighter jets at certain stages.
According to the “Congressional Hill Report,” NORAD was established in 1957 after World War II and is an operational command organization jointly set up by Canada and the United States to protect the airspace of both countries. The Commander of the organization – the current U.S. Air Force General Gregory M. Guillot – is appointed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada.
The organization’s website states that the command is responsible for detecting and warning of attacks from “aircraft, missiles, or spacecraft.” The U.S. Department of Defense stated on Thursday that “it remains ready to take a variety of response measures to defend North America.”
In September of last year, NORAD detected and tracked 4 Russian aircraft in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, subsequently successfully dispatching military aircraft to escort them away. In August of the same year, the organization issued four similar notices within six days.