Two Russian IL-38 military aircraft were detected and tracked two days ago while operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), marking the third such incident in a week, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This uptick in activity comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Russia, as NORAD reported that the Russian patrol aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. or Canadian airspace. NORAD emphasized that these flights are not viewed as a threat, despite the increased frequency of interceptions.
In the past week alone, NORAD has intercepted Russian military aircraft three times near Alaska, highlighting a potential escalation in military maneuvers. The aircraft, which included TU-142 reconnaissance and anti-submarine planes, were detected in the ADIZ, an area that extends beyond national airspace where rapid identification of aircraft is crucial for national security. NORAD clarified that the ADIZ is a defined stretch of international airspace that does not constitute a violation of sovereignty.
The recent interceptions are part of a pattern, as Russian flights in the ADIZ occur regularly, with previous interceptions noted in July and May. Earlier this summer, NORAD also intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska, marking a significant moment in military engagement. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the ongoing nature of these military tests by Russia and China, asserting that they consistently seek to challenge U.S. defenses.
