NORAD Continues Tracking Russian Military Planes Near Alaska Airspace

On September 16, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported the detection and tracking of a Russian military aircraft near U.S. airspace, marking the fourth such incident in just five days. The situation has raised concerns, although NORAD emphasized that the aircraft did not pose a direct threat.

This latest occurrence involved two Russian IL-38 military planes operating in international airspace close to Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). NORAD stated that while the interception was noteworthy, the situation was not considered a threat to national security at the moment.

NORAD functions as the military alliance responsible for the defense of North American airspace. According to the organization, the airspace where the Russian aircraft were flying is defined as international airspace, where it is essential to identify all aircraft to ensure security.

The series of interceptions began on September 11 when NORAD detected a pair of Russian military aircraft operating in international waters near the ADIZ. These aircraft did not enter Canadian or U.S. sovereign airspace, a pattern followed in several previous encounters.

Russian flights into the ADIZ occur regularly, with NORAD noting similar interceptions taking place in July and May of this year. This highlights a consistent trend of Russian military activities in the region.

In July, a similar incident arose shortly after Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that it had intercepted two U.S. B-52N bombers close to its borders. Following the recent detection of Russian planes, Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, called for increased military presence in the area.

On September 15, NORAD also identified two TU-142 reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft, which were quickly followed by reports of two IL-38 military aircraft the next day, leading to the announcement of another interception.

Senator Sullivan expressed his thoughts on the matter, acknowledging NORAD’s assessment that these intrusions do not currently pose a direct threat. However, he questioned whether it was necessary to take preventive measures and demonstrate U.S. military strength in Alaska to deter potential aggression.

Earlier in the summer, NORAD intercepted a formation of two Chinese and two Russian military jets operating near Alaska. Officials indicated that this joint operation marked the first known instance of coordinated activity between these two nations, further raising alarms about their military collaboration.

In light of recent events, Senator Sullivan referred to the actions of Russia and China as a demonstration of their increasing cooperation, describing them as “two of the biggest dictators on the march.” He voiced concern over what he perceives as an alignment of interests between these communist-led nations aimed at testing U.S. resolve.

During the joint encounter of Chinese and Russian forces, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remarked that these nations continually attempt to challenge U.S. defenses. Sullivan’s comments reflect a growing apprehension regarding the implications of such military movements.

In a related development, the U.S. Army deployed a significant troop presence, including paratroopers, radar units, and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, to Shemya Island, situated off the coast of Alaska. This deployment coincided with extensive naval exercises conducted by Russia across various bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Arctic Ocean.

NORAD utilizes a sophisticated multi-layered defense system comprising satellites, radar, and fighter jets to track and identify aircraft transiting the zone. A spokesperson emphasized NORAD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the identification of foreign aircraft entering the U.S. and Canadian air defense identification zones, even if specific tactics and procedures are often kept confidential for operational security purposes.

The increasing frequency of these incidents and the military activities surrounding them underscore the rising tensions within the region. The involvement of both Russian and Chinese forces demonstrates a strategic challenge that calls for careful monitoring and response from U.S. and allied military forces.

Source: UPI