Military tensions soared over Alaska recently when video footage emerged of a Russian Su-35 fighter jet dangerously close to a United States Air Force F-16. This eye-opening encounter happened on September 23, 2024, as the US fighter intercepted the Russian aircraft during routine operations within Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The clip, released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), captures the exact moment the Russian jet swoops past the American F-16 with startling proximity, sparking serious discussions about aviation safety and military decorum.
General Gregory Guillot, the commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, described the incident as “unsafe and unprofessional,” adding weight to concerns about the increasingly aggressive maneuvers exhibited by Russian pilots.
"The conduct of one Russian Su-35 endangered all—this is not something you’d expect to see from a professional air force," he said during a press briefing, emphasizing the serious risks involved.
This close encounter followed several recent incidents where Russian military activities have been observed near Alaska, with some officials expressing heightened alarm over their frequency and nature. Less than two weeks before this episode, multiple Russian military aircraft and naval vessels, including submarines, were reported close to Alaska, conducting joint drills with China, which only amplified concerns about regional stability.
Senator Dan Sullivan, representing Alaska, echoed these sentiments, condemning the Russian pilots' actions as reckless. He noted, "The reckless maneuvers of Russian fighter pilots—within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters—underscore the growing aggression we're witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin." Following this incident, Sullivan stressed the need to bolster the military presence in Alaska, asserting it is imperative to counteract such provocative actions.
Former pilots, like Vincent Aiello, highlighted the gravity of the situation. He remarked on how such aggressive flying could escalate risks during routine intercepts and potentially lead to devastating accidents. "This type of reckless flying can lead to collisions, which, between aircraft, can be catastrophic," he warned. According to Aiello and others, norms typically govern the behavior of aircraft during intercept situations, with expectations of maintaining safe distances to avoid accidents.
Pilot footage from the incident captured the intensity of the moment as aircrew inside the F-16 expressed disbelief when the Su-35 cut past them, merely feet away. The pilot was caught exclaiming, "Holy fuck!" as the Russian jet made its swift and close pass. Such alarming exchanges can escalate tensions and heighten the potential for miscommunication or conflict, particularly between such high-capacity military machines.
Throughout military history, similar incidents have occurred. The U.S. military's approach during air-to-air encounters emphasizes adherence to safe protocols, which seems increasingly disregarded by some adversaries. Intercept procedures are usually predetermined, ensuring aircraft operate within recognized norms to avoid accidental confrontations. Former military officials speculated whether the Russian pilot was intentionally demonstrating aggression or simply executed the maneuver without considering potential consequences.
The growing frequency of aggressive maneuvers and unsafe practices was evident, not only with Russian forces but also with increasing instances involving Chinese aircraft. The Pentagon reported over 180 aggressive interceptions by Chinese military aircraft between 2021 and 2023, underscoring how the strategic airspace near Alaska has become more contentious.
Historical precedents remind officials of the significant risks associated with such unexpected military encounters. Incidents like the Hainan Island incident involving the U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II signal intelligence aircraft and the Chinese J-8 aircraft serve as cautionary tales, reminding military leadership how interactions can spiral out of control, leading to larger crises. Special operations from the Arctic to Pacific theaters have intensified, raising the stakes for American aerial operations.
Even after the incident on September 23, NORAD confirmed Russian aircraft did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace; they remained operational within international territories. Yet, consistent provocations from Russia continue to be closely monitored. NORAD maintains mission readiness to respond to such attempts, promising swift intercept actions for any potential breach of air sovereignty, regardless of the occasion.
It is not only military officials who find themselves grappling with the ramifications of this close encounter. Alaska's residents, who observe these maneuvers as part of their daily lives, express concern too. Steve, who lives near Elmendorf Air Force Base, remarked, "It’s scary to think our planes are flying out there every day only to have to deal with those kinds of threats. We need to feel secure above all else."
Such sentiments highlight how geopolitical tensions translate to ground-level anxiety.
This confrontation and its fallout raise discussions about the global order, military readiness, and the growing pattern of aggressive behavior by certain global powers. The incident serves as just one more chapter of military unpredictability occurring near Alaskan skies, with its consequences echoing beyond its borders. Addressing these tensions will demand not just strategic military responses but diplomatic efforts to cultivate communications channels to mitigate the risks of miscalculations.
Looking forward, analysts argue history will continuously inform practices around military engagements above Alaskan airspace. Ongoing evaluations will play pivotal roles as the geopolitical envelope stretches, testing old assumptions and protocol adherence. Will less incendiary interactions arise, or are we entering new heights of military discord?
