U.S. F-16s, F-35s and support aircraft tracked and identified Russian bombers and fighters near Alaska as part of routine air defense operations in the strategically sensitive buffer zone. (Samuel King Jr./U.S. Air Force)
The ADIZ airspace is a designated region that requires strict identification procedures between U.S. and Russian aircraft operating in the area. It’s considered a buffer zone that acts as a boundary between the two countries.
"NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America," NORAD said in their statement on Thursday.
While this ADIZ isn’t sovereign U.S. airspace, the region is a strategic zone given its proximity to Russia. NORAD noted in their statement that the Russian activity that occurred on Thursday was not seen "as a threat."
The military response comes as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned Iran and "all parties in the [Middle Eastern] region to exercise restraint and caution" as the U.S. continues to expand military presence overseas.
President Donald Trump has demanded that Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei abandon his nuclear ambitions and cease the suppression of protests. (Chip Somodevilla; Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu)
Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), said that satellite images show that the Iranian regime is attempting to restore "2 trillion" uranium enrichment capabilities at the Isfahan complex, despite talks between the Trump administration and the Middle Eastern country.
The U.S. Air Force and Navy strikes that occurred on June 22 targeted the Isfahan complex, as well as Fordow and Natanz.
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Fox News Digital reached out to NORAD but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/norad-scrambles-jets-intercept-russian-bombers-near-alaska