Russian fighter jet flying dangerously close to aircraft off Alaska

On September 23, 2024, a tense encounter unfolded in the skies over the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), involving a Russian Su-35 fighter jet and a U.S. F-16 aircraft. This incident, which was captured on video and later released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), has drawn significant attention due to the dangerous proximity of the two aircraft and the broader implications for international military relations.

The ADIZ is a stretch of international airspace where aircraft are required to identify themselves for national security purposes. While it does not constitute sovereign U.S. airspace, it is closely monitored by NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canadian command responsible for aerospace warning and control for North America. On the day of the incident, NORAD detected four Russian military aircraft operating in this zone, including two Tu-95 bombers escorted by two Su-35 fighters.

The U.S. Air Force dispatched F-16 fighter jets to intercept and shadow the Russian aircraft, a routine procedure given the regularity of such flights in the area. However, during this operation, one of the Russian Su-35 jets executed a maneuver that brought it dangerously close to an American F-16. The Su-35 cut across the front of the F-16 at high speed, coming within mere feet of its nose—a maneuver described by military officials as "unsafe" and "unprofessional."

General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, condemned the actions of the Russian pilot, stating that such behavior endangered all involved and was not characteristic of a professional air force. The video footage released by NORAD shows the dramatic moment from the perspective of a camera mounted inside the F-16 cockpit. As the Russian jet approached at high speed, it forced the American pilot to take evasive action to avoid a potential collision.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased military activity by Russia in regions near U.S. territory. In recent months, there have been multiple intercepts involving Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating in international airspace near Alaska. These operations have raised concerns about escalating tensions and potential miscalculations that could lead to more serious confrontations.

The frequency of such interactions has been rising, with NORAD reporting an uptick in Russian aircraft entering the Alaska ADIZ. In 2023 alone, there were 26 instances of Russian aircraft operating in this zone, compared to an average of six or seven annually in previous years. This increase is partly attributed to Russia's strategic interests in demonstrating its military capabilities and testing U.S. responses.

The incident also highlights ongoing geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and China. In July 2023, joint sorties by Russian and Chinese bombers were intercepted near Alaska—a first for military cooperation between these two nations so close to U.S. territory. Such developments have prompted calls from U.S. lawmakers for enhanced military readiness in Alaska and the Arctic region.

While no physical harm resulted from this latest encounter, it underscores the risks inherent in military operations involving close encounters between rival nations' aircraft. The potential for miscalculation or accident remains high, especially given the current geopolitical climate marked by strained relations between Russia and Western nations.

In conclusion, the dangerous maneuver by the Russian Su-35 near Alaska serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of international military engagements in contested spaces like the ADIZ. It calls for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to manage tensions and prevent incidents that could escalate into broader conflicts.