Russian Bomber Warplanes Intercepted Near Alaska by F-16

On September 24, 2025, American fighter jets intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska in what officials say is part of a growing trend. The incident involved Tu-95MS “Bear” strategic bombers escorted by Su-35 “Flanker-E” multirole fighters, both among the most capable assets in Russia’s long-range aviation fleet. The aircraft entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) without filing a flight plan or maintaining radio contact, prompting a rapid response from the United States.

The intercept was carried out by F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron based at Eielson Air Force Base. They were supported by KC-135 aerial refueling tankers and an E-3 Sentry AWACS surveillance aircraft, forming a complete air defense package. U.S. pilots visually confirmed the Russian formation, shadowed them across several hundred miles of the Bering Sea, and maintained safe distance until the foreign aircraft exited the zone. The encounter lasted close to two hours, but the Russians never entered U.S. sovereign airspace.

The Tu-95MS Bear-H is a Cold War-era bomber that remains highly relevant due to its ability to carry long-range Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles, including nuclear-capable variants. With a range of more than 15,000 kilometers, it can strike targets from far outside American borders. Its escorts, the Su-35 Flanker-E fighters, are modern and highly maneuverable, with advanced radars, thrust-vectoring engines, and long-range air-to-air missiles. Their presence adds a more complex threat environment for American interceptors, as pilots must identify and escort bombers while simultaneously managing close encounters with high-performance fighters.

Although U.S. and Canadian officials described the mission as “routine,” the frequency of such flights has been increasing. This was the ninth Russian patrol near Alaska in 2025, reflecting Moscow’s intent to regularly test and probe North American defense systems. Analysts believe these missions are not only for training but also to simulate strategic strike packages, gather electronic intelligence, and assess NORAD’s response times.

The Alaskan ADIZ plays a crucial role in national security. Extending 200 nautical miles from the coastline, it provides early warning and a buffer for U.S. defenses. While international law allows Russia to operate in the zone, entering without communication or identification forces NORAD to treat the aircraft as potential threats. Every intercept serves both as a deterrence signal to adversaries and as live training for American pilots under real conditions.

Russian bomber patrols in the Arctic and North Pacific have grown more frequent over the past three years. This increase aligns with Moscow’s expanding presence in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new sea routes and access points. Russia has upgraded bases in Chukotka and Kamchatka and stationed long-range aviation units there, allowing its bombers and fighters to reach U.S. and Canadian airspace approaches more easily.

For the United States, Alaska remains a frontline in homeland defense. Each intercept demonstrates readiness and commitment, but also highlights the risks of miscalculation. Close passes, aggressive maneuvers, or electronic interference could turn routine encounters into dangerous escalations. At the same time, repeated Russian flights impose a constant burden on U.S. pilots, aircraft maintenance crews, and refueling operations.

The latest encounter underscores how strategic competition is intensifying in the Arctic and North Pacific. As geopolitical tensions rise, these intercept missions are expected to grow in both frequency and complexity. For NORAD, constant vigilance and rapid response remain essential pillars of protecting North America’s skies.