Russian Aircraft Detected Near Alaska for Ninth Time This Year, U.S. Military Confirms

Published: September 26, 2025, 14:30 EDT

U.S. fighter jets intercepted four Russian aircraft flying near Alaska on Wednesday, marking the ninth such encounter in 2025, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign territory.

Russian Planes Identified in Alaskan Airspace Zone

NORAD reported that its radar and tracking systems detected two Tu-95 long-range bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ADIZ is a buffer area extending beyond national borders where foreign aircraft are monitored for national security.

In response, NORAD scrambled nine U.S. aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control plane, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. The U.S. aircraft successfully intercepted and visually identified the Russian formation before escorting them away from the area.

Routine Activity, No Breach of Sovereign Airspace

NORAD emphasized that the Russian flights, while frequent, are considered routine and not unusual. “These flights occur regularly and are not regarded as a threat,” the command said in a statement. The Russian aircraft did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace at any point.

The latest interception is the third such incident in the past month and underscores ongoing military posturing between Moscow and Washington in the Arctic region.

Rising Tensions Between NATO and Russia

The encounter near Alaska comes amid heightened NATO-Russia tensions in Europe. Earlier this month, NATO accused Moscow of violating alliance airspace after Russian drones were downed over Poland and Estonian officials reported a Russian fighter jet incursion.

In response, NATO leaders reiterated their commitment to defending allied airspace. “NATO will use all available means to protect its territory and sovereignty,” the alliance said in a statement earlier this week.

Trump’s Remarks Add Political Dimension

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently intensified his comments on Russia’s war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, he suggested NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter allied airspace. When asked if Washington would support such actions, Trump replied, “It depends on the circumstance.”

Trump also expressed confidence that Ukraine could regain all of its lost territory—a notable shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to make concessions in negotiations with Moscow.

Diplomatic Efforts and Uncertain Dialogue

Following a recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said he was arranging talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, the Kremlin has shown little interest in such a meeting. Instead, Russian forces have escalated their bombardment of Ukrainian cities in recent weeks.

The repeated Russian flights near Alaska, while not an immediate threat, highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions spanning both the Arctic and Eastern Europe. NORAD has stressed that it remains prepared to respond to any potential escalation in North American airspace.