F-16s intercept Russian spy planes near Alaska two days in a row
By Stephen Losey
Aug 22, 2025, 11:20 AM
NORAD launched a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons to intercept Russian spy aircraft near Alaska on back-to-back days this week. (Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh/Air Force)
U.S. F-16 fighter jets intercepted Russian spy planes flying near Alaska two days in a row this week, North American Aerospace Defense Command said.
In separate incidents on Wednesday and Thursday, Russian IL-20 surveillance and reconnaissance planes flew into the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, or ADIZ, prompting NORAD’s response.
On Wednesday, NORAD launched a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons and a KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling as they identified and monitored the Russian plane. The following day, NORAD again sent up two F-16s and a KC-135, along with an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft to intercept and monitor the Russian IL-20.
On both days, the Russian aircraft stayed in international airspace and did not enter into U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace, NORAD said.
https://www.militarytimes.com/air/2025/08/22/f-16s-intercept-russian-spy-planes-near-alaska-two-days-in-a-row/
