By Matt Underwood NORAD scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian planes off Alaska – it’s the kind of headline that, honestly, has become almost expected.
The whole situation, as usual, revolves around the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, or ADIZ. Think of it like a sort of early warning system, an area of international airspace where we need to know who’s flying where, just in case. When Russian planes, as they frequently do, approach this zone, NORAD – the North American Aerospace Defense Command – sends up fighter jets to identify and monitor them. The key point here is that the Russian aircraft almost always remain in international airspace and never enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace. So, while the headline might sound alarming, it’s often more about a routine check-in.
Essentially, this is a classic game of “cat and mouse” played out in the skies. It’s a regular exercise, a way for each side to test the other’s capabilities and willingness to defend their territory. The Russians get to assess how quickly we react, what tactics we use, and perhaps even gather some intelligence. We, in turn, get to show that we’re alert and ready to respond. It’s a sort of aerial “look-see,” a way of probing defenses without actually escalating to anything serious.
The frequency of these incidents is worth noting. This isn’t a rare occurrence. According to recent reports, NORAD announced Russian flights in the Alaskan ADIZ nine times in 2025, twelve in 2024, eight in 2023, and even two in the preceding years. The uptick in frequency may be related to a number of factors, not least of which are the actions of Russia in Europe and other parts of the world. While the headline may not change, the context sure does. The truth is, it’s been happening for decades, a constant rhythm of intercepts and patrols. It’s a familiar dance. The fighter pilots often recognize each other at this point.
Now, before anyone panics, it’s crucial to understand the difference between these routine intercepts and more serious violations of airspace. The Russian aircraft staying in international airspace is the key. This is very different from what has been happening in Europe, with intentional breaches of sovereign airspace in countries like Poland and Estonia. Those actions are a different ball game entirely. They are far more provocative and increase the potential for escalation.
There’s also an element of posturing involved. Some feel that Putin is simply trying to project strength, flexing his military muscles and testing the resolve of the United States and its allies. There is often a display of political will in the whole affair. It’s a way of reminding the world that Russia is still a major player, capable of projecting power, even in areas far from its own borders.
There’s the human aspect too, the constant vigilance of the military personnel involved. This is their job, the airmen and the naval personnel, and they are constantly on alert for these types of events. We all know how seriously they take these responsibilities. They are doing their jobs, training in their war-time roles, being prepared to defend and protect the country.
The timing of these events can also be important. Some might argue that this is happening because things aren’t going so well at home for Putin and that he is fishing for a distraction. On the other hand, both the United States and Russia engage in these types of activities, and have for decades. The current political climate, with statements from leaders about the possibility of shooting down Russian planes, adds a new layer of complexity. All eyes are on this, the media has focused on it, the public has had time to process the impact of the news.
So, next time you see the headline “NORAD scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian planes,” remember that it’s often a routine event. The key is where the Russian aircraft are actually flying. As long as they stay in international airspace, it’s likely just another day in the ongoing game of aerial chess between the United States and Russia. If they were to violate U.S. airspace? That’s a whole different story. And for anyone concerned about the Epstein files, well, maybe we can talk about that later…