NORAD scrambled US fighter jets to intercept four Russian aircraft, two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters, flying in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). While such activity is common and not considered a threat, it's seen as a test of US and NATO preparedness, amid heightened tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and recent drone incidents in Europe. The Russian planes did not enter US or Canadian airspace. This incident follows similar recent encounters involving Russian aircraft near Alaska.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.