Four U.S. F-16 fighter jets, a surveillance aircraft, and four tankers were deployed to intercept Russian bombers and fighter jets that entered Alaska's air defense identification zone on September 25th, 2025, at approximately 11:04 AM UTC. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the incident, which marks the ninth such airspace violation by Russian aircraft this year. The deployment occurred throughout the reporting window, between 11:04 AM and 1:08 PM UTC, as NORAD tracked and responded to the Russian incursion. According to NORAD, the U.S. aircraft successfully intercepted and monitored the Russian planes, ensuring the security of North American airspace. This event underscores a pattern of Russian military activity near allied and U.S. airspace. The frequency of these intercepts highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for constant vigilance by NORAD.
