US Fighter Jets Intercepts Russian Spy Plane Near Alaska, Third Time In A Week

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 22:46 IST

NORAD detected and tracked a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft operating in the Alaskan ADIZ

NORAD deployed an E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, two F-16 fighter jets, and two KC-135 refuelling tankers to intercept. (File pic via X/@NORADCommand)

The United States military on Sunday scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Russian spy plane flying near Alaska, marking the third time in a week that US forces have responded to a Russian aircraft detected in the Alaskan Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The ADIZ is a stretch of international airspace just beyond the borders of US and Canadian sovereign territory. Although it is not owned by any country, all aircraft entering this zone must identify themselves to the US and Canada as a security measure.

According to a press release from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), it detected and tracked a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft operating in the Alaskan ADIZ.

“NORAD detected and tracked one IL-20 COOT operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Aug. 24, 2025," the release stated.

In response, NORAD deployed an E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, two F-16 fighter jets, and two KC-135 refuelling tankers to intercept and visually confirm the identity of the Russian plane.

The Russian military aircraft stayed within international airspace and did not cross into American or Canadian sovereign airspace. NORAD added that such Russian flights within the Alaskan ADIZ “occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat".

“An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security," it stated.

NORAD uses a layered defence system made up of satellites, ground and airborne radar, and fighter jets to detect and monitor aircraft and take appropriate action when needed. The command said it remains “ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America."

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First Published:

August 25, 2025, 22:46 IST

News world US Fighter Jets Intercepts Russian Spy Plane Near Alaska, Third Time In A Week

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