NORAD confirms a Russian reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, an area of international airspace monitored for national security.
The United States military again scrambled fighter jets on Tuesday to track a Russian spy plane flying near the coast of Alaska, marking the fourth such incident in a week, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The latest interception involved a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This zone is a section of international airspace immediately adjacent to U.S. and Canadian sovereign space, which both nations monitor as a measure of national security.
READ: NORAD Intercepts Russian Aircraft Near Alaskan Airspace
NORAD confirmed that it detected and surveilled the aircraft, dispatching an E-3, two F-16s, and a KC-135 tanker to positively identify the plane. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign territory.
This recent series of events follows similar interceptions last Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, all of which involved the same type of Russian reconnaissance aircraft. According to NORAD, this type of Russian military activity in the ADIZ is common and is not considered a threat.
Despite the routine nature of these encounters, the increased frequency has drawn attention. Earlier this year, in January, the U.S. and Canada scrambled jets to track Russian warplanes over the Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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The ADIZ is a designated area of international airspace where the identification of all aircraft is required for national security purposes. NORAD utilizes a comprehensive defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, and fighter aircraft to detect, track, and respond to potential security concerns, reinforcing its commitment to the defense of North America.
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