Russian Jet's Reckless Maneuver Near US F-16 in Alaskan Airspace Raises Tensions

A Russian Su-35 flew dangerously close to a US F-16 in the Alaska ADIZ, prompting concerns over escalating aggression and pilot discipline.

On September 23, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet performed an unsafe maneuver near a US F-16 in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The incident marks the first documented case of unprofessional Russian conduct in the ADIZ since NORAD began monitoring after the Cold War.
Video footage shows the Russian jet cutting across the nose of the US F-16, forcing the American pilot to bank right to avoid a collision.
US officials, including NORAD commander Gen. Gregory Guillot, condemned the Russian pilot's actions as reckless and endangering all parties involved.
The encounter follows a series of recent Russian military activities in the Alaska ADIZ, with calls from US Senator Dan Sullivan to bolster military presence in the region.