A video released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) shows a tense moment after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a NORAD aircraft over the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). NORAD officials have condemned the incident as "unprofessional" and "unsafe."
A video released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on Monday depicts a tense moment after a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a NORAD aircraft over the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
According to a statement sent to Fox News Digital by NORAD, the "unprofessional air maneuver directed at our NORAD F-16" occurred on September 23 while it "was conducting a routine professional intercept of a Russian Tu-95 aircraft."
NORAD Condemns "Unsafe" Russian Jet Interception Over Alaska
NORAD, in a separate statement, noted that an "ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security."
The video shows the moment when the F-16 was approaching the Russian Tu-95 aircraft before a Russian Su-35 whipped directly in front of the NORAD fighter jet, apparently taking it by surprise.
NORAD Condemns "Unsafe" Russian Jet Interception Over Alaska
Commander of the North American Defense Command and the U.S. Northern Command, Gen. Gregory Guillot, condemned the dangerous behavior, stating, "NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force."
NORAD had previously announced the presence of four Russian aircraft over the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on September 23, 2024.
NORAD Condemns "Unsafe" Russian Jet Interception Over Alaska
The initial release did not include footage or details of the dangerous incident but noted that none of the Russian aircraft entered American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
"This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat," the release stated.
The release added that NORAD "maintains continuous readiness to monitor and identify aircraft operating within and approaching the ADIZ."
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia over the war in Ukraine.
In recent months, there have been several reports of Russian aircraft flying near Alaska. In August, NORAD scrambled fighter jets to intercept four Russian aircraft that entered the Alaska ADIZ.
The United States has repeatedly warned Russia against provocative actions in the region.
In July, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the United States would "defend our interests and our allies in the Arctic."
The Arctic is becoming increasingly important as the climate changes and new shipping routes open up.
Russia has been investing heavily in its military presence in the Arctic, and the United States is concerned that Russia could use the region to launch attacks on North America.
The incident over the Alaska ADIZ is a reminder of the potential for conflict between the United States and Russia in the Arctic.
