U.S. Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Near Alaska 2025

September 25, 2025 — Washington. American fighter pilots once again had to respond to Russian aircraft operating near Alaska this week, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). It was the ninth time this year that U.S. jets have scrambled to meet Russian planes in the region.

Military officials said the group included two long-range Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters. The planes entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area used to track and identify approaching aircraft. They did not cross into U.S. or Canadian sovereign territory.

To meet the Russian formation, the Air Force launched an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, four F-16 fighters, and four KC-135 refueling tankers.

NORAD emphasized that these kinds of flights are fairly common and are not viewed as an immediate threat. Still, the command noted that U.S. crews remain ready to respond at all times.

Growing Pattern

This marks the third intercept in roughly a month, pointing to a rise in Russian air activity near U.S. borders.
The ADIZ is not sovereign territory, but incursions often test how quickly American defenses react.
Defense analysts say the repeated flights may be part of Moscow’s effort to demonstrate reach while gauging U.S. readiness in the Arctic and Pacific.

Although officials describe the incidents as routine, the frequency this year has drawn attention. Each intercept highlights the ongoing strategic rivalry playing out above the far north.

What We Know

Date: NORAD reported the intercept on September 25, 2025.
Aircraft: Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters flew near Alaska.
Location: The planes entered the Alaskan ADIZ but stayed in international airspace.
U.S. Response: NORAD scrambled an E-3 Sentry, four F-16s, and four KC-135 tankers.
Frequency: This was the ninth intercept this year and the third in about a month.

What We Don’t Know

Intentions: Why Russia has increased flights near Alaska in recent weeks remains unclear.
Future Activity: It is unknown if more incursions are planned or if this signals a longer campaign.
Diplomatic Impact: Moscow has not commented, and Washington has not said if it will protest.
Strategic Purpose: Analysts debate whether the flights are routine patrols or deliberate tests of U.S. readiness.