NORAD intercepts Russian jets near Alaska defense zone
U.S. jets intercepted Russian aircraft near Alaska’s ADIZ, ensuring safety while planes remained in international airspace, NORAD confirmed.
Russian – (Web Desk) – American jets were deployed to intercept Russian fighter aircraft operating near Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
On Thursday, February 20, 2026, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that U.S. jets were sent to “intercept and verify” the Russian planes.
The operation involved two F-16s, two F-35s, an E-3 surveillance aircraft, and four KC-135 refueling tankers, which escorted Russian military planes—including Tu-95 bombers, an A-50 early warning aircraft, and two Su-35 fighters—until they left the ADIZ.
NORAD emphasized that Russian flights in the area are routine and not considered a direct threat, noting that the aircraft stayed in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory.
The airspace over Alaskan ADIZ is considered a buffer zone between two countries and the planes flying in the area are required to go through strict identification procedures.
The U.S. uses a layered defence mechanism in the region to identify, track and respond to hostile aircraft. A network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter jets are deployed for the defence of North America.
For context, the North American Aerospace Defense Command is a bi-national mutual defense organization in Canada and the United States.
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