US intercepts Russian reconnaissance aircraft near Alaska

For the fourth time in a week, the United States has deployed F-16 fighter jets to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft operating near Alaska, according to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

The aircraft, which remained in international airspace throughout the incident, was detected within the Alaska Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), prompting NORAD to scramble an E-3 long-range radar detection aircraft, two F-16 fighters, and a KC-135 refuelling plane to visually identify and monitor the Russian plane.

NORAD confirmed that the Russian aircraft did not enter US or Canadian sovereign airspace and stressed that such activities occur regularly in the Alaskan ADIZ, adding that the flights are not considered a direct threat.

The Alaska ADIZ is an area of international airspace adjacent to US territorial airspace that requires all aircraft to be readily identifiable for national security reasons.

NORAD, which uses a layered network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radar systems, and fighter aircraft, emphasised that it remains fully prepared to respond with a range of defensive options to ensure the protection of North America.

By Tamilla Hasanova