US jets scrambled for Russian spy planes 4 times in one week

The U.S. military tracked and intercepted a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance plane off Alaska four times in less than a week, as reported by NORAD.

The first detection occurred on August 20, followed by additional sightings on the 21st and 24th. Each time, fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the aircraft within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone.

NORAD stated, "NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft." The airspace in question requires aircraft identification for national security. U.S. officials noted that the Russian plane remained in international airspace without entering U.S. or Canadian airspace.