Fighter jets intercept Russian warplanes near Alaska
The Hill
by Sarah DavisFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
U.S. fighter jets intercepted a formation of Russian warplanes near Alaskan airspace on Thursday, marking an unusual escalation in military activity in the region. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported tracking and engaging with two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35s fighters, and one A-50 spy plane until they departed the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This incident highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the Arctic region, where both nations have been increasing their military presence.
The Russian planes were detected entering the ADIZ, prompting NORAD to dispatch fighter jets to monitor and escort them out of the area. While such intercepts are not uncommon, the size and composition of this particular formation—featuring strategic bombers, advanced fighters, and a surveillance aircraft—raised concerns among defense officials. This marks one of the largest Russian military formations detected near U.S. airspace in recent years.
This incident underscores the ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in regions like Alaska and the Arctic. Such actions are often
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/20/2026