US fighters intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska 3rd time in week

On August 24, 2025, NORAD deployed two F-16 fighters, an E-3 Sentry, and two KC-135 Stratotankers to intercept a Russian IL-20 surveillance aircraft in the Alaskan ADIZ. This marked the third such incident in a week, following intercepts on August 20 and 21.

F-16 intercepts of IL-20 aircraft on August 20 and 21 show the Russian plane remained in international airspace, not breaching U.S. or Canadian sovereignty. NORAD’s defense network, utilizing satellites and radars, tracked the aircraft to ensure national security. “This Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” NORAD stated.

Yet, the repeated incidents suggest probing of Western defenses. “NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America,” the command added, signaling vigilance amid escalating Russian military activity near U.S. borders.