On the night between February 19 and 20, local time, American fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian military aircraft operating near the coast of Alaska.
The information was confirmed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
According to the joint US-Canadian command, two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and one A-50 airborne early warning aircraft were identified during a flight within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Interception and escort
NORAD reported that it deployed two F-16 fighter jets, two F-35 fighter jets, and four KC-135 refueling aircraft to track and monitor the Russian aircraft.
Amerikaanse straaljagers onderscheppen Russische bommenwerpers nabij Alaska
Bron en beelden: North American Aerospace Defense Command, X @NORADCommand pic.twitter.com/OEFix6iB5q
— saibadetudo.com.br (@saibadetudo25) February 20, 2026
According to the official statement, the Russian aircraft did not violate the sovereign airspace of the United States or Canada. The movement was classified as a “routine event” in the region and was not considered an immediate threat to national security.
The Alaska ADIZ is a section of international airspace that begins beyond US and Canadian sovereign territory. In this area, aircraft identification is required in advance as a defensive precaution.
Russian version: planned patrol
On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defense stated that Tu-95MS long-range strategic bombers conducted a planned patrol mission lasting more than 14 hours over neutral waters of the Bering Sea, between Russia’s Far East and Alaska.
The aircraft, capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles, were reportedly escorted by Su-35S and Su-30SM multirole fighters. According to Moscow, foreign fighter jets accompanied the flight during certain segments.
A video released by the Russian ministry shows the takeoff of one of the Tu-95MS bombers, internal and external cockpit footage during the patrol, as well as aerial refueling and the aircraft’s landing.
Russia maintains that its long-range bombers routinely conduct patrols over international waters in the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Baltic Sea, and Black Sea, always in accordance with international airspace regulations.
The role of NORAD
Established in 1957 through bilateral agreements between the United States and Canada, the North American Aerospace Defense Command is responsible for the air defense of the North American continent.
The command integrates the US Air Force Air Defense Command, the Royal Canadian Air Force, naval forces associated with the CONAD/NORAD system, and the Army Air Defense Command.
Its headquarters is located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, while its permanent command center operates from a fortified bunker built inside Cheyenne Mountain.
The incident reinforces the routine nature of interceptions in the Arctic and North Pacific regions, areas considered strategically important by both Washington and Moscow, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two powers.
+ Ukrainian drone destroys S-300VM launcher near Mariupol in nighttime strike
+ Moscow Bets on the Mi-38PS for Operations in Temperatures Down to -52°C
Source and images: North American Aerospace Defense Command, X @NORADCommand | Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
