Air Duel Over Alaska Escalates: US Intercepts Russian Plane

This is the fourth incident in the last week.

For the fourth time this week, the United States has raised F-16 fighter jets to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane near Alaska that remained in international airspace.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reports.

This is the fourth time in the past week that U.S. aviation has responded to Russian aircraft activity in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

Interception and Security Measures

NORAD dispatched an E-3 long-range radar detection aircraft, two F-16 fighter jets and one KC-135 refueling aircraft to accurately identify the Russian aircraft. The command stressed that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. or Canadian sovereignty.

"Russian activity in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone occurs regularly and is not considered a threat," NORAD said.

What is the Air Defense Identification Zone

The identification zone begins outside of sovereign airspace and is a section of international skies where all aircraft are subject to identification in the interest of national security. NORAD uses a layered network of satellites, ground and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to track aircraft and is prepared to employ a variety of response options to protect North America.

Analogous intercepts occurred on August 20, when U.S. F-16 fighters and a KC-135 refueling aircraft identified a Russian Il-20, and on August 21 and 24. Thus, Russian reconnaissance aircraft activity in international airspace near Alaska has become a regular occurrence over the past week.

NORAD notes that the system is constantly ready to respond and ensures the safety of North American airspace by monitoring all potential threats.

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