U.S. fighter jets intercepted Russian warplanes near Alaska on Thursday after they were detected in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Axar.az, citing The Hill, reports that the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked and intercepted two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and one A-50 spy plane, launching two F-16s, two F-35s, and four KC-135s until the Russian planes left the ADIZ.

NORAD emphasized that the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory. A statement noted, “This Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.” The incident reflects recurring Russian patrols in the region, with similar flights and interceptions reported multiple times last year.

NORAD, created in 1957 as a joint U.S.-Canada command, is tasked with detecting and warning against threats from aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles. Its current commander, Gregory M. Guillot, is appointed by both the U.S. president and Canadian prime minister.