Russian jet in ‘unsafe’ manoeuvre near F-16 near Alaska

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet has been accused of executing an “unsafe” manoeuvre near a US F-16 aircraft during an interception mission over the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the US military.

Footage from inside the cockpit of the US F-16 shows the Russian aircraft flying at an uncomfortably close distance during the incident on 23 September 2024.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) criticised the Su-35 pilot’s actions, describing them as unprofessional and a danger to those involved.

“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

General Gregory M. Guillot, head of US Northern Command and NORAD, addressed the situation, saying: “On 23 September 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.”

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace during the incident and did not breach the sovereign airspace of either the United States or Canada. The interception took place after US jets were scrambled to respond to the presence of four Russian military aircraft operating within the ADIZ.

The Alaska ADIZ is a section of international airspace that surrounds both the US and Canada, where the identification and tracking of all aircraft are required for national security. It serves as a buffer zone beyond national borders to provide early warnings of potential threats.

While these intercepts are not uncommon and are not typically viewed as a direct threat, NORAD made clear that the Su-35 pilot’s behaviour on this occasion was an exception.

NORAD regularly monitors and responds to Russian military activity in the region, as such flights are considered routine and within their rights in international airspace. However, the “unprofessional” nature of the manoeuvre by the Russian Su-35 has raised concerns about safety and escalation risks during such encounters.