Watch Russian Fighter Jet Fly Dangerously Close to US F-16 Near Alaska

In a recent incident that has caught the attention of military analysts and the general public alike, military officials released a video showing a Russian fighter jet coming dangerously close to a US F-16. This encounter occurred near Alaska and has raised several concerns about air safety and protocol.

Unprofessional Conduct Endangers Pilots

The video, made public on September 23, 2024, shows the Russian plane appearing from behind the camera and swooping past the US jet at an alarmingly close distance. The US pilot was acting under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) when this occurred. This incident is part of a series of Russian incursions into the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), which lies just outside US airspace.

General Gregory Guillot, the commander of NORAD and the US Northern Command, condemned the Russian pilot’s actions. He stated that the conduct was unsafe and unprofessional, endangering both aircraft involved. He emphasized that such behavior is not standard for a professional air force. His strong words highlight the gravity of the situation and the risks involved in such close encounters.

The intercepted aircraft on the Russian side was identified as an Su-35, while the US response involved an F-16. These types of aircraft are among the most advanced in their respective air forces. However, even the best technology cannot entirely mitigate the risks of such close interactions, especially when they occur without proper coordination and mutual understanding.

Escalating Incursions and Political Reactions

This particular event is just one in a series of similar incidents. Over recent times, there has been an increase in Russian aircraft entering the ADIZ around Alaska. While these zones are not sovereign airspace, they are closely monitored to ensure national security. The recurring nature of these incidents has led to heightened tensions between the United States and Russia.

Alaska’s US senators have also weighed in on the matter. They echoed General Guillot’s concerns, stressing that the safety of American pilots and the integrity of US airspace must be maintained. These political leaders are calling for more stringent measures to prevent such dangerous interactions in the future. They believe that diplomatic channels should be utilized to address the issue directly with the Russian government.

The video footage shows an F-16 operating under NORAD’s direction as it conducts a routine intercept of a Russian Tu-95 aircraft. The purpose of these intercepts is to identify and monitor foreign aircraft entering the ADIZ, ensuring they do not pose a threat to national security. However, during this routine operation, the Russian Su-35 executed a maneuver deemed unsafe by US officials. The video serves as a stark visual record of just how close the Russian jet came to the US aircraft.

NORAD’s Vigilance and the Broader Geopolitical Context

NORAD’s mission includes aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America. This latest incident underscores the importance of vigilance and readiness in fulfilling this mission. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by NORAD as it works to protect the skies over the United States and its allies.

The release of the video is seen by some experts as a move to bring transparency to these interactions and to bolster the case for tighter regulations and clearer protocols. By making the incident public, US military officials are likely aiming to show the risks involved while pressuring international bodies to take action.

This encounter also illuminates the broader geopolitical landscape. Relations between Russia and the United States have been strained over various issues, and close calls like this do little to ease tensions. Both countries continue to navigate a complex and often adversarial relationship, one that demands careful diplomacy and strong military readiness.

Watch the video below: