A Russian Su-35 warplane came within 50 feet of a US fighter jet in a what has been described as a very close call.
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has released footage showing the moment a Russian warplane nearly crashing into a US F-16 on 23 September along Alaska’s airspace.
A Russian nuclear capable TU-95 long-range bomber was also spotted in the footage and entered into Alaska’s air defence identification zone; this is known as the “Alaska ADIZ.”
General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and US Northern Command, said, “On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ.
The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force.”
“On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force.” – Gen. Gregory Guillot pic.twitter.com/gXZj3Ndkag
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 30, 2024
Senator Dan Sullivan, who serves on the US Senate Armed Services Committee blasted Moscow over their “escalating aggression.”
US politicians and Sullivan have said that with increased Russian and Chinese activity in Alaska and the Arctic justifies building America’s military in the region as a show of force.
The US Coastguard has also expressed concern that there is more activity in the region with China and Russian navies.
The US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has also expressed his concerns that Russia and China are cooperating militarily with each other.
Sullivan said, “The reckless and unprofessional manoeuvres of Russian fighter pilots — within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters in Alaska’s ADIZ on September 23 put the lives of our brave Airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we’re witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin.”
