On Wednesday, NORAD tracked two Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighters within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), deploying an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and KC-135 aerial tankers to intercept them. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace, and the activity is considered routine, though this instance marks the first since August 26th. This follows recent reports of Russian aircraft breaching Estonian airspace, and overall incidents are up to 12 in 2024, leading to increased vigilance among U.S. and European allies.
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During the U.N. General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested NATO countries should consider shooting down Russian aircraft in their airspace, prompting a “Roger that” response from Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radosław Sikorski. Sikorski later stated Poland would protect its territory, including its airspace, but he preferred intercepting Russian threats over Ukrainian territory before they reached NATO airspace. Echoing this concern, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Russia’s history of hybrid warfare against European democracies and emphasized the necessity of defending NATO territory.
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Following recent conflict, Iran has received Russian MiG-29 fighter jets as an interim solution to strengthen its aging air force, with more advanced Sukhoi Su-35 jets anticipated. These acquisitions signal a broader effort to rapidly modernize aerial capabilities and address vulnerabilities exposed during conflict. The arrival of these jets, along with additional air defense systems, are seen as a strategic move to improve Iran’s military strength. This is intended to increase their leverage in diplomatic negotiations and potentially reshape the regional balance of power.
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Former President Donald Trump stated that NATO member countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace, a stance more aggressive than current NATO leaders. The comments followed multiple incursions of Russian aircraft into the airspace of NATO countries, sparking debate within the alliance. While European leaders have expressed outrage and vowed to respond, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggested a more cautious approach, advocating for analysis of intent before taking action. These varying viewpoints highlight the ongoing challenges in deterring Russian aggression and maintaining the alliance’s preparedness.
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As NATO’s newest member, Sweden has declared it will defend its airspace, using force if necessary, in response to potential violations by other nations. Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized Sweden’s right to use weapons without warning under existing regulations. This stance reflects growing concerns within the alliance, especially given recent incursions into the airspace of other NATO members, such as Poland and Estonia. Sweden’s advanced air force, equipped with Gripen fighter jets and advanced missiles, is prepared to counter any threats, underscoring the heightened tensions and readiness within the alliance to address potential Russian aggression.
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The Army has identified the four soldiers who died in a helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The victims, members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, included Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully and Andrew Kraus, and Sergeants Donavon Scott and Jadalyn Good. The MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was on a routine training flight when it crashed, and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation. This marks the second deadly crash for this elite unit in recent years, highlighting the inherent risks associated with their specialized nighttime missions.
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In recent operations, Ukrainian forces targeted and destroyed significant Russian assets in occupied territories. The General Staff reported successful strikes in August and September, aimed at disrupting Russian plans, including the destruction of ammunition and drone stockpiles. Additionally, a Russian S-400 air defense system was hit in western Russia, and a Russian hub distributing drones was targeted. These attacks, along with the destruction of an ammunition depot, demonstrate Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to hinder Moscow’s military operations.
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On September 21st, Ukraine’s HUR special unit Prymary conducted a successful strike, marking the first-ever attack on a Soviet-designed Be-12 anti-submarine aircraft, known as “Mail.” This aircraft is equipped with advanced systems for underwater target detection. During the same operation, the HUR also claimed to have damaged a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. The attack follows an earlier reported destruction of three Mi-8 helicopters and a radar station in Crimea.
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Following a recent escalation of Russian provocations in NATO airspace, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that NATO is prepared to use force if necessary. These comments were made after three Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on September 19th, leading Estonia to request consultations under NATO’s Article 4. Pevkur believes Russia’s actions are intended to divert Western attention away from Ukraine. Incidents in Poland and Romania, where Russian assets breached their airspace, have increased tensions along NATO’s eastern flank, leading to defensive measures and calls for a united and firm response.
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John Q. Hosedrinker