Russian Fighter Jet Buzzes U.S. F-16 in Dangerous Encounter off Alaska Coast

In a tense military incident, a Russian fighter jet came within just 50 feet of a U.S. Air Force F-16 off the coast of Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that on September 23, 2024, Russian aircraft entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area where all aircraft must identify themselves to avoid interception. U.S. forces intercepted two Russian Tu-95 bombers escorted by two Su-35 fighter jets.

The Su-35, one of Russia’s most advanced fighters, engaged in aggressive and unprofessional maneuvers, nearly colliding with the American F-16. Video footage released by NORAD shows the Russian jet closing in at high speed before rolling to one side and flying past the nose of the U.S. fighter. The close proximity caused the F-16 to wobble as it flew through the Russian jet’s wake, a dangerous situation that could have led to disaster. NORAD’s top commander, General Gregory Guillot, condemned the Russian pilot's conduct, calling it "unsafe and unprofessional"​.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of Russian military activity in the ADIZ, with multiple interceptions occurring over recent weeks. While the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. or Canadian territory, their provocative actions have drawn sharp criticism from U.S. military officials. NORAD regularly monitors the ADIZ, which extends 150 miles from Alaska’s coastline, and intercepts any aircraft that do not comply with identification protocols.

The Kremlin’s increased military activity in this region is seen as part of a broader strategy to test U.S. defenses and assert its presence near North America. Although such encounters have occurred before, the proximity and behavior of the Russian Su-35 in this case were particularly alarming.

The U.S. military routinely conducts intercepts when foreign aircraft enter the ADIZ, but this particular incident stood out due to the Russian pilot’s erratic flying, which posed a serious threat to both American and Russian forces involved​.

Despite the dangerous nature of the encounter, the Russian aircraft eventually departed the ADIZ without further escalation. The U.S. military emphasized that while such activity is not uncommon, the increasingly aggressive tactics used by Russian pilots in recent years have raised concerns about potential miscalculations that could lead to unintended conflict​.

This is not the first time Russian aircraft have been intercepted in the region. NORAD regularly tracks Russian bombers and fighters flying near Alaska, often during military exercises or long-range patrols. However, the increasingly bold maneuvers and close calls have heightened tensions, especially as U.S.-Russia relations remain strained due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts​.

The video released by NORAD has sparked discussions about the risks of these encounters escalating into more serious confrontations. Military analysts note that while both sides generally seek to avoid direct conflict, incidents like this highlight the dangerous game of brinkmanship being played in international airspace. With Russian aircraft continuing to probe U.S. defenses, the potential for a misstep grows, further complicating the already delicate relationship between the two nations.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR