Russian jet's reckless antics near Alaska spark military outcry
The American military has released footage showing a Russian fighter jet flying very close to an American F-16 near Alaska. General Gregory Guillot described the behaviour of the Russian pilot as "dunsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all." The incident took place on 23 September.
The footage lasts 15 seconds. It shows the calm flight of two American planes suddenly disrupted by a plane that "jumps" from behind and flies literally a few feet next to the American fighter jet.
General Gregory Guillot of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the U.S. Northern Command strongly criticised the Russian pilot's behaviour.
The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force - said Guillot, quoted by the Associated Press.
He also added that the American plane reacted according to procedures, executing a "safe and disciplined" routine interception mission.
So far, the Russian embassy has not commented on the incident.
Russia and China strengthen military cooperation
The incident occurred just a few weeks after eight Russian military aircraft and four naval ships, including two submarines, approached Alaska as part of joint exercises between Russia and China.
Although none of these planes violated U.S. airspace, the American military decided to respond by sending about 130 soldiers and mobile missile launchers to Shemya Island, located about 1,900 kilometres southwest of Anchorage. The soldiers were stationed there for a week before returning to their bases.
It's worth recalling that in July, Russian and Chinese bombers conducted a joint flight over international airspace near Alaska for the first time. This move was recognised as a symbol of growing cooperation between the two countries, raising concerns among U.S. authorities, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
In 2022, an American Coast Guard vessel patrolling an area about 140 kilometres north of Kiska Island in the Bering Sea encountered a formation of three Chinese and four Russian naval units.
Call to strengthen American military presence
Senator Dan Sullivan, a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee member, expressed concerns about escalating actions from Russia. He emphasised that the manoeuvres of the Russian pilots near the American fighter jets stationed in Alaska are further evidence of growing aggression.
The reckless and unprofessional maneuvers of Russian fighter pilots — within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters — in Alaska’s ADIZ on September 23 put the lives of our brave Airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we’re witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin – said Sullivan.
This close encounter between the Russian Su-35 and the American F-16 again draws attention to the growing tensions in the Arctic region, which is becoming an increasingly strategic field of competition between global powers.
