On Tuesday, the U.S. military scrambled a fighter plane to monitor a Russian spy aircraft spotted flying near Alaska, as reported by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
This marked the fourth occasion recently that NORAD tracked the Russian IL-20 Coot, a Cold War-era reconnaissance plane, within Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Previously, the same type of Russian aircraft was detected on August 20, 21, and 24. Each time, NORAD deployed fighter jets to keep an eye on the situation.
In the latest instance, NORAD launched an E-3 Sentry, along with two F-16s and a KC-135 tanker, to follow the spy plane.
NORAD reassured that the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not intrude into U.S. or Canadian territory. They noted that these Russian operations near Alaska are routine and typically not considered a threat.
“NORAD utilizes a comprehensive defense system involving satellites, ground and air-based radars, and fighter jets to detect and track aircraft, responding appropriately,” the command stated. “We’re prepared to implement various response options for North American defense.”
In July, NORAD had released images showing U.S. fighters intercepting Russian planes within the ADIZ. Earlier this year, in two separate incidents in February and April, F-35 Lightning II jets intercepted Russian TU-95 and SU-35 aircraft in the same zone.
Throughout those occurrences, NORAD maintained that the Russian aircraft stayed in international airspace.
Back in January, NORAD indicated that they had dispatched a unit to monitor several Russian military aircraft operating in the Arctic.
