The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said it scrambled fighter jets to intercept four Russian military aircraft flying in international airspace near Alaska.

NORAD reported that two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday. In response, it deployed an E-3 Sentry command aircraft, four F-16s, and four KC-135 tankers to “positively identify and intercept” the aircraft.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked two Tu-95s and two Su-35s operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Sept. 24, 2025.
NORAD responded with an E-3, four F-16s, and four KC-135… pic.twitter.com/Lzktu5aZUg

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 25, 2025

NORAD said the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory and added that such activity in the ADIZ is routine and not considered a threat.

The interception marked the third such encounter in a month and the ninth this year. 

The latest flight occurred as NATO allies reported increasing incidents involving Russian aircraft and drones in Europe.

Poland and Estonia both reported airspace intrusions this month, and Denmark is investigating drone activity that disrupted flights over Copenhagen.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace. 

When asked by reporters if the U.S. would support NATO in a potential war with Russia, Trump replied: “Depends on the circumstance, but you know we’re very strong toward NATO.”