Increased Russian Military Aircraft Activity Monitored Near Alaska During Routine Patrols

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported on Tuesday that it detected Russian military aircraft in proximity to Alaska, which was later confirmed by Russia’s Defense Ministry, stating that its air force was performing a scheduled patrol in that region.

Although the Russian aircraft did not breach the airspace of the United States or Canada, NORAD noted that they did enter the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone—an area of international airspace where foreign aircraft are monitored for national security reasons.

NORAD did not disclose the specific number or types of aircraft involved but highlighted that this activity was regarded as “not a threat.” The command mentioned that Russian military flights in the vicinity are routine and are monitored closely.

In a subsequent statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry, it was revealed that Tu-95MS strategic bombers executed a planned 15-hour patrol over the international waters of the Bering Sea.

These bombers were supported by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets and engaged in mid-air refueling during their mission. The ministry indicated that foreign fighter jets shadowed the Russian aircraft at various points during the flight.

A military video showed two F-16 aircraft near the Russian planes.

Russia’s Defense Ministry asserted that the flights were carried out “in strict accordance with international airspace regulations” and emphasized that its long-range aviation units routinely operate over neutral waters in the Arctic, Pacific Ocean, and other maritime regions.

NORAD also tracked similar Russian operations in April. In September of the previous year, the U.S. military released footage of what it deemed “unsafe, unprofessional” behavior by a Russian Su-35 in the vicinity of Alaska.