North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian aircraft, including two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets, operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on September 24, 2025. NORAD responded to the incident with an E-3 Sentry aircraft, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to positively identify and intercept the Russian planes. The military alliance's command confirmed the presence of the aircraft in international airspace over the Arctic Ocean, north of the Alaskan coast, and stated that the Russian aircraft did not enter sovereign Canadian or United States airspace. The intercept was conducted in a professional manner, and the Russian aircraft were monitored until they departed the region. This incident is part of ongoing efforts by NORAD to monitor aerospace activity within its area of responsibility, ensuring the defense of North America. NORAD maintains 24/7 vigilance and is prepared to respond to any threats to the continent.
