U.S. fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near Alaska on Tuesday, the fourth such incident in seven days, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
In a news release, NORAD said the IL-20 COOT, a Cold War-era surveillance plane, entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), which lies just outside U.S. and Canadian airspace. NORAD deployed an E-3 Sentry, two F-16s, and a KC-135 tanker to monitor the flight.
NORAD said the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not breach sovereign territory.
Similar Russian flights occurred on August 20, 21, and 24, involving the same type of aircraft.
NORAD said these patrols are routine and not seen as a direct threat, though the command continues to track and identify all foreign aircraft in the ADIZ as part of standard defense operations.
The IL-20, adapted from the Ilyushin Il-18, is equipped for signals intelligence and radar surveillance.
The intercept comes amid increased activity in contested regions. On Wednesday, a video circulating on social media showed a Russian fighter jet intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon over the Black Sea.
It is unclear where the Poseidon was intercepted, though the news outlet The Aviationist reported it likely occurred south of Crimea, where most Russian intercepts take place.
Russian fighter jet intercepted a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon over the Black Sea.
The P-8A was likely flying in international airspace on a routine surveillance mission near Crimea. pic.twitter.com/FnUbJgx9S3
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 27, 2025
