American fighters intercepted Russian Tu-95 and Su-35 aircraft near Alaska on Wednesday, September 24. This information is reported by Glavkom citing CBS News.
According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Tu-95 aircraft and Su-35 fighters were in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) – an international airspace near the United States and Canada. To monitor them, the American side dispatched an E-3 airborne warning and control system aircraft, four F-16s, and four KC-135 tanker aircraft.
Regular actions of Russian aviation in the ADIZ zone
Command officials emphasized that Russian aircraft in the ADIZ often conduct similar actions that do not pose a direct threat. However, this may indicate an attempt to test the readiness of the United States and its NATO allies.
Recently, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reported on the dangerous flyby of a Russian fighter over a German frigate in the Baltic Sea and considers it a provocation by Russia.
More frequently, Russian aviation is testing the readiness of Western countries, which could lead to increased tensions in the region.