NORAD deployed F-16 fighter jets and support aircraft to monitor a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance plane in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone. The U.S. military command scrambled fighter jets on Tuesday to track a Russian spy plane detected flying near Alaska, according to NORAD. This action followed a series of four detections in less than a week, marking the fourth such instance in the shortest span.
The IL-20, a Cold War-era reconnaissance aircraft, was detected flying over the region on Aug. 20, Aug. 21, and Aug. 24, with the latest on Tuesday. In each case, NORAD responded by dispatching fighter jets, highlighting the military’s vigilance over the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a critical area for national security. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace, with NORAD emphasizing that such activity is not perceived as a threat.
NORAD has consistently employed a layered defense strategy, combining satellites, ground-based and airborne radars with fighter aircraft to detect and track aerospace threats. In the latest detection, an E-3 Sentry, two F-16s, and one KC-135 tanker were scrambled to monitor the Russian plane. The military command reiterated its readiness to employ a variety of response options in the defense of North America.
Prior to these recent instances, NORAD had previously tracked Russian military aircraft in the ADIZ, including in July when U.S. fighter jets intercepted Russian planes. Additional detections occurred in April and February, with F-35s intercepting multiple Russian aircraft. In January, NORAD deployed a combat air patrol unit to monitor Russian activity in the Arctic, indicating ongoing regional surveillance efforts. The U.S. military’s consistent monitoring and response underscores its commitment to safeguarding airspace and maintaining defensive readiness in the face of potential threats.