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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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.… Continue reading
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Canada is diversifying its defense partnerships, shifting away from over-reliance on the United States due to recent trade disputes and concerning rhetoric from the Trump administration. This includes advanced negotiations for a European defense alliance and a review of the F-35 fighter jet purchase, exploring alternatives from France and Britain. Simultaneously, a $4.2 billion partnership with Australia on an over-the-horizon radar system will enhance Canada’s Arctic surveillance capabilities independently, while also strengthening NORAD cooperation. These initiatives aim to bolster Canada’s sovereignty and ensure better value for defense spending. Despite concerns from some industry executives about potential US repercussions, the Canadian government is prioritizing a more diversified and independent defense posture.
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Canada has purchased Australia’s cutting-edge Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN) technology for $6.5 billion to bolster its Arctic defenses, a deal expedited by recent geopolitical events. This advanced radar system, capable of long-range surveillance of air and maritime threats, will significantly enhance Canada’s security cooperation with the US through NORAD. While the US had previously shown interest in JORN, Australia is now exploring further export opportunities, potentially including a major deal with the UK, as it diversifies its trade relationships. This sale represents a potentially record-breaking export for Australia’s defense industry.
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On Tuesday, NORAD intercepted four Russian military aircraft—two Tu-95 Bear bombers and two Su-35 Flanker fighter jets—that flew through the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone for 15 hours. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. sovereignty. This action, while prompting a response of four F-16s and support aircraft from NORAD, is consistent with past Russian activity and is considered legal under international law. Similar intercepts have occurred previously, including joint Russian-Chinese flights in the area.
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An age ago, I worked for NORAD while stationed in Alaska, maintaining the computers that were used to track these interceptions. They used to give photographs of the intercepted Soviet bombers to everyone on duty at the ROCC during the vent. I have a folder of Tu-95 photos. After the Berlin Wall came down, the number of interceptions dropped to almost nothing for many years. During the Cold War this was called “Wednesday”. Obviously in response to the 2 B-52s the other day. Sabre rattling no doubt… this dance is as old as time.
The recent incident where NORAD jets intercepted 2 Russian and 2 Chinese bombers off the Alaskan coast has caused a stir in the media and amongst the public.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood