Through an official release of photographs, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the deployment of U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters to intercept Russian Navy Tu-142MK and Il-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operating in Alaska’s ADIZ. Although no further details were provided, the photos published on September 23 match the deployment reported on September 14 by Russian Naval Aviation media, as part of the OCEAN 2024 exercise.
That week, both the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense and NORAD confirmed the presence of Russian Naval Aviation aircraft operating in international airspace, within the U.S.-established Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Specifically, these were Tu-142MK and Il-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, escorted by Su-30SM fighters.
The novelty lies in the fact that, in their official statements dated September 13 and 14, NORAD did not mention the deployment of U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters to intercept the Russian aircraft in Alaska’s ADIZ. In their statement from that date, they only reported that the interception of the Tu-142MK occurred on September 13, while a similar incident took place on September 14 with a pair of Il-38s. NORAD clarified that there was no violation of sovereign airspace and that this Russian military activity was not considered a threat. However, none of the communications mentioned the deployment of F-16s to carry out the interception under Operation Noble Eagle.
On the other hand, and as the images show, the presence of an F-16 fighter with its characteristic “aggressor” camouflage is highlighted, revealing that it belongs to the 18th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Squadron), formerly known as the 18th Aggressor Squadron, operating out of Eielson Air Base, Alaska.
Beyond the confirmation of the interception by USAF fighter jets, U.S. military commanders have warned that the activity of long-range Russian patrol aircraft is the subject of increasing attention, especially if these patrols are conducted in coordination with aerospace forces of the Russian and Chinese Armed Forces, as occurred in late July.
Photos: NORAD.
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