Russian Su-35 Cuts Off U.S. Fighter Jet near Alaska

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

This was reported by the NORAD press service.

The incident occurred on September 23, when a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber under the cover of a Su-35 fighter entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

Fighters were sent to intercept and escort the Russian aircraft. Judging by the released footage, F-16s were most likely sent on the mission.

While escorting the Russian planes, the Su-35 performed a dangerous maneuver and crossed the course of the American fighter.

The Russian fighter nearly collided with the American fighter, and the Su-35 created a turbulence zone that affected the flight stability of the American fighter.

“On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all—not what you’d see in a professional air force.” said Gen. Gregory Guillot.

The Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.

NORAD emphasizes that Russian aviation activity in the area is regular and is not considered a threat.

In July 2024, Militarnyi reported a similar incident where a Finnish F/A-18 Hornet intercepted a Russian Su-30SM.

Recently, it was reported that an IL-38 anti-submarine aircraft of the Russian Navy violated Japanese airspace three times.

In response, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces took action, including fighter jets from the Air Self-Defense Forces’ Northern Air District, as well as notifications and warnings.