US detects Russian reconnaissance aircraft approaching airspace
The US early warning system detected and monitored two Russian Tu-142 aircraft approaching the airspace over the state of Alaska in the middle of the week.
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Two Russian Tu-142 anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft captured by NORAD's warning system on August 1. Photo: Defense Blog |
"On August 1, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) identified a formation of two Russian Tu-142 anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), NORAD announced.
According to NORAD, the Russian planes were still operating in international airspace and did not violate US or Canadian airspace.
NORAD spokesman Cameron Hillier said the force did not send fighter jets to intercept. The identification was made by an early warning system located west of the Alaska ADIZ. "This was not an aircraft intercept," Hillier stressed.
The Russian Defense Ministry has yet to comment on the information provided by NORAD.
The Alaska ADIZ extends about 200 nautical miles off the state’s west coast. American and Russian aircraft have had numerous encounters, but the Russian aircraft have never violated U.S. airspace. Both sides have conducted professional and safe approaches.
In late May, NORAD also dispatched F-22 fighters and E-3 early warning aircraft to monitor four Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35S fighters flying into the area.
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The Alaska ADIZ (crossed-out area) is international airspace where Russian and American aircraft often encounter each other. Graphics:Wikipedia. |
