Dangerous encounter between Russian Su-35 and U.S F-16 during interception off the coast of Alaska

A Russian Su-35 came within 50 feet of U.S F-16 during interception in the Air Defense Identification Zone off the coast of Alaska.

The close encounter occurred on Sept. 23 during a flurry of activity by Russian aircraft over the span of several days.

“On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force.” – Gen. Gregory Guillot pic.twitter.com/gXZj3Ndkag
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 30, 2024

The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all – not what you’d see in a professional air force,.
Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORAD’s top commander

The Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is international airspace that stretches 150 miles from the Alaska coastline, but the U.S. requires that any aircraft transiting through it must identify themselves or be intercepted by NORAD aircraft.