US fighter jets have once more been deployed to intercept Russian warplanes that flew too close to American airspace near Alaska.
This was the second day in a row U.S. fighters have had to be dispatched to monitor Russian activities near Alaska and fifth intercept this year that Russian bombers have flown into the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone according to NORAD.
This latest incident happened on Tuesday, as two pairs of F-22 fighters and an AWACS surveillance craft were sent to keep an eye on two Tu-95 bombers and a pair of Su-35 fighter jets, according to a statement by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
A F-22 fighter jet from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepts a Russian Tu-95 bomber. (Photos: NORAD)
NORAD said the Russian aircraft remained in international skies and at no time entered U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace, according to NORAD. But the Russian crafts were inside a buffer zone known as the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Two pairs of F-22 fighter jets, each with an E-3 intercepted Tu-95 bombers Su-35 fighter jets entering the Alaskan ADIZ May 21. The bombers entered the ADIZ and were intercepted by two F-22s, exited and then re-entered the Alaskan ADIZ accompanied by two Su-35 fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/NYP6EVq2Xg
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) May 22, 2019
Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged Monday’s incident, saying its planes were in the region on scheduled training exercises, but have not responded to Tuesday’s activity.
NORAD averages about six to seven Russian intercepts a year, the joint Russian-Canadian defense operation said.
NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify aircraft and determine the appropriate response.
