The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has disclosed that military fighter jets were dispatched to monitor a Russian reconnaissance aircraft detected within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
This announcement came on Tuesday, following the identification of an IL-20 COOT, a Russian spy plane, operating in the specified zone.
According to American Military News, NORAD officials confirmed the deployment of two F-16 fighter jets, an E-3 Sentry, and a KC-135 Stratotanker to "positively identify" the Russian aircraft near Alaska. The press release emphasized that the Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace, refraining from entering either American or Canadian sovereign territories.
"This Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat," NORAD stated, underscoring the routine nature of such encounters.
This recent incident marks the fourth occurrence since the previous Wednesday where a Russian IL-20 COOT was detected and tracked within the Alaskan ADIZ. NORAD confirmed similar detections on August 20, August 21, and August 24. Each time, NORAD's fighter jets were deployed to monitor and track the reconnaissance aircraft.
Specifically, on August 21, two F-16s and a KC-135 tanker were dispatched, while on August 24, the response included two F-16s, two KC-135 tankers, and an E-3.
The Alaskan ADIZ serves as a critical zone for national security, beginning where sovereign airspace ends and encompassing a defined stretch of international airspace. NORAD explained that this zone necessitates the ready identification of all aircraft to ensure national security.
The command employs a comprehensive defense network, including satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, and fighter aircraft, to detect and track aircraft, thereby informing appropriate actions.
"NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America," the press release added.
The consistent monitoring and tracking of Russian aircraft in the Alaskan ADIZ underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance in safeguarding national security. While these activities are not perceived as immediate threats, they highlight the ongoing need for a robust defense posture to address potential challenges to North American airspace.
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