US Fighter Jets Intercept Four Russian Planes Near Alaska: Report

U.S. fighter jets intercepted four Russian military planes flying off the Alaskan cost Saturday, marking the fourth interception this month, according to The Hill.

NORAD F-22 fighter jets intercepted four Russian Tu-142 planes flying 65 nautical miles south of the Alaskan Aleutian islands Saturday, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Russian military planes remained in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone for eight hours without entering U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.

NORAD’s interception Saturday is the second time this week Russian planes entered Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, the last time being Wednesday,the Hill reported. Wednesday’s interception was the fifth time NORAD intercepted Russian military planes, according to a NORAD statement

NORAD F-22s, supported by KC-135 air refuelers and E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System, intercepted four Russian Tu-142 reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on June 27, 2020.

video: https://t.co/jPJB21pen3

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) June 27, 2020

The NORAD jets have intercepted Russian military aircraft planes ten times in 2020 alone, according to NORAD.

“Despite COVID-19, we remain fully ready and capable of conducting our no-fail mission of homeland defense,” General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy said. O’Shaughnessy is Commander of NORAD.

“This year alone, NORAD forces have identified and intercepted Russian military aircraft including bombers, fighters, and maritime patrol aircraft on ten separate occasions when they have flown into the ADIZ…

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) June 27, 2020

“Despite COVID-19, we remain fully ready and capable of conducting our no-fail mission of homeland defense,” General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy said. O’Shaughnessy is Commander of NORAD. NORAD did not respond immediately to the Daily Caller News Foundation.