By Jerald Jimenez
Sep 24, 2024, 1:33 PM EDT
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that four Russian military aircraft were again detected on Monday in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
According to a NORAD press release, the planes remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace, ABC News reported.
NORAD clarified that there was no need for an interception and that such Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ is routine and does not pose an immediate threat. This incident marks the fifth of its kind in September, although the command did not specify the type of aircraft involved this time.
Russian patrols operated in Alaska’s ADIZ
Earlier this month, NORAD had identified Russian IL-38 maritime patrol aircraft operating within the Alaskan ADIZ. Air Defense Identification Zones begin at the edge of national airspace and require rapid identification of all aircraft to ensure national security.
The command employs a layered defense network that includes satellites, ground and airborne radars, and fighter jets to track aircraft and take necessary action. NORAD reaffirmed its readiness to use a variety of response options to defend North America.