The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked four Russian aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. During the incident, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet dangerously approached a U.S. F-16 conducting an interception, escalating tensions. Video footage shared on social media captured the intense moments from the U.S. pilot’s perspective.
Strong Condemnation from the U.S.
NORAD Commander General Gregory Guillot condemned the unsafe maneuver by the Russian Su-35, stating, “Such reckless actions are unacceptable for a professional air force and put everyone at risk.”
Similar Incidents in the Past
Tensions between Russian aircraft and U.S. air assets have surfaced before. In July 2023, a Russian Su-35 damaged two U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones with flares, and in March 2023, a Su-27 collided with the propeller of a U.S. MQ-9 drone, causing it to crash into the Black Sea.
