One formation got within eight miles of U.S. airspace.
American fighter jets intercepted two formations of Russian military aircraft off the coast of Alaska early Wednesday morning according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The first formation, which included two Russian nuclear-capable bombers, two fighter jets, and an airborne early warning and control aircraft, came within 20 nautical miles of the Alaskan shore. The second formation, which had two bombers and the early warning craft, came within 32 nautical miles, NORAD said.
The Russian aircraft were intercepted by U.S. F-22 Raptors supported by DC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling planes and an E-3 airborne early warning and control aircraft.
U.S. international airspace extends 12 nautical miles off the coast, meaning one Russian formation got within eight miles and the second within 20 miles. They remained in international airspace the whole time. Intercepts are not uncommon off Alaska, but this incident was notable for how close the Russians come to U.S. airspace.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the men and women of NORAD and the defenses they provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round.
- For America’s military as other nations test the U.S. during the pandemic and racial unrest.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
