Russian Aircraft Conducts Routine Patrol Near Alaska, No Threat Detected

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported on Tuesday that it detected Russian military aircraft operating near Alaska, a claim subsequently confirmed by Russia’s Defense Ministry, which stated that its air force conducted a standard patrol in the region.

Although the aircraft did not enter the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada, NORAD indicated that they did enter the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, a segment of international airspace monitored for defense purposes.

NORAD did not provide specific details regarding the number or type of aircraft involved, but it underscored that the activity was “not perceived as a threat.” The command noted that Russian military flights in this area are common and are systematically observed.

A statement later issued by Russia’s Defense Ministry mentioned that Tu-95MS strategic bombers executed a scheduled 15-hour patrol over international waters in the Bering Sea.

The bombers were supported by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets and conducted mid-air refueling during the operation. The ministry also reported that foreign fighter jets shadowed the Russian aircraft at various points during the flight.

A military video showcased two F-16 aircraft flying alongside the Russian planes.

The Defense Ministry of Russia asserted that these flights were carried out “in strict accordance with international airspace regulations,” highlighting that its long-range aviation crews routinely operate over neutral waters in the Arctic, Pacific Ocean, and various other maritime regions.

NORAD also monitored similar flights by Russian forces in April. Additionally, last September, the U.S. military released a video depicting what it characterized as “unsafe, unprofessional” maneuvers by a Russian Su-35 near Alaska.