1-10-2024 (WASHINGTON) The United States military has unveiled video footage of what it describes as a dangerous manoeuvre by a Russian fighter jet in international airspace near Alaska. The incident, which occurred during a routine intercept last week, has raised concerns about the professionalism of Russian military aviation.
While aerial intercepts of Russian aircraft near Alaska are commonplace and typically described as safe and professional, this particular encounter has been singled out by US officials as cause for alarm. Air Force General Gregory Guillot, who oversees US forces in North America, made a pointed statement on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d expect from a professional air force,” General Guillot remarked. His comments underscore the seriousness with which the US military is treating this incident.
“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
The encounter took place within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area of international airspace just beyond sovereign US territory where approaching aircraft are required to identify themselves. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) had initially reported on 23 September that it had detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating within this zone.
At the time of the initial report, NORAD had stated that such Russian activity “occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.” However, the release of this video footage suggests that at least one aspect of the encounter was deemed sufficiently concerning to warrant further attention and public disclosure.
