On September 15, NORAD detected two Russian IL-38 military aircraft near Alaska, marking the fourth such incident that week. NORAD monitored the aircraft using satellites, radars, and fighter jets, stating they remained in international airspace within Alaska’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). NORAD emphasised that foreign military aircraft operating in the ADIZ are “not seen as a threat.” The recent surge in Russian air activity follows a joint Russian-Chinese bomber operation near Alaska in July, the first time both nations’ military planes were intercepted together in the region.Simultaneously, the US deployed 130 airborne soldiers to Shemya Island, with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert stating the move “demonstrates to any adversary that we can deploy anywhere with little notice.” The deployment of the HIMARS system underlined the importance of long-range firepower in deterrence.Russian naval exercises, including 400 vessels and 90,000 troops, were launched on September 10. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of military cooperation “in the context of growing geopolitical tensions,” accusing the US of “provoking an arms race” in the region. Putin warned that Russia “must be prepared for any development of the situation.”
Read More: US Rushes Troops, HIMARS As Russian Warplanes Detected Off Alaska For Fourth Time In A Week
