NORAD F-22s and CF-18s intercept Russian ISR aircraft near Alaska
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian Tu-142 ISR aircraft entering Alaskan Air Defence Identification Zone on 9 March.
However, the Russian aircraft did not enter US or Canadian airspace.
A NORAD fighter escort consisting of F-22 and CF-18 aircraft monitored the Russian aircraft with the support of KC-135 Stratotanker and an E-3 Sentry AWACS vehicle for approximately 4h.
The incident comes after British and Norwegian aircraft confronted a Russian Tu-95 bomber as it approached airspace over the North Sea on 7 March.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
