NORAD: Russian Aircraft Identified and Intercepted in Alaskan ADIZ, China Set To Increase Flights Around Alaska

Air Force General Gregory M. Guillot also said on February 13th that China will be also increasing its presence jointly with Russia near Alaska and its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

ALASKA – On February 18th and 19th, 2025, F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, operated by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), positively identified and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two Su-35 military aircraft within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Russian Tu-95. Credit: Sergey Kustov, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace west of the NORAD region. Additional aircraft were observed in the same area on February 19th.

Air Force General Gregory M. Guillot also said on February 13th that China will be also increasing its presence jointly with Russia near Alaska and its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Additionally, NORAD F-16 aircraft responded to a civilian aircraft Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violation at approximately 10:49 a.m. EST on Feb. 18, 2025, over Palm Beach, Florida.

The aircraft was not in communication with Air Traffic Control while it was inside the restricted airspace causing NORAD to scramble fighter jets, intercept the aircraft, and escort it out of the area.

All aircraft safely landed without incident, according to the Air Force which said that flares had been dispensed and may have been visible to the public.

NORAD Statements On Aircraft Identified, Intercepting After Crossing Into Alaskan ADIZ, TFR Restriction Over Palm Beach, Florida: