Russian Planes Intercepted by US Fighter Jets off Alaska Coast

US fighter jets intercepted six Russian planes near Alaska. The planes included bombers, tankers, and fighter jets. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said the intercept was routine and not seen as a threat. The Russian planes were operating in international airspace. NORAD tracks and positively identifies all military aircraft that enter the airspace. They routinely monitor aircraft movements and escort them if necessary. US aircraft involved in the incident included F-16 and F-22 fighter jets, KC-135 stratotankers and E-3 AWACS. These interceptions happen roughly six or seven times per year in the so-called Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.