NORAD intercepts 2 Russian aircraft off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands

Updated: June 26, 2020 Published: June 25, 2020

In this Monday, March 9, 2020 file photo released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft, top right, is intercepted near the Alaska coastline. Two Russian aircraft that came within 50 miles of Unimak Island along Alaska's Aleutian chain were intercepted late Wednesday, June 24, 2020, military officials said Thursday. (North American Aerospace Defense Command via AP,File)

JUNEAU — Two Russian aircraft that came within 50 miles of Unimak Island along Alaska’s Aleutian chain were intercepted late Wednesday, military officials said Thursday.

The incident marked the fifth time this month that such an intercept has taken place, Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said in a release.

NORAD said the Russian aircraft did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace during the roughly four-hour flight in the region. The Russian planes were identified as IL-38 maritime patrol aircraft.

Capt. Cameron Hillier, a NORAD spokesperson, said this is the ninth such incident off Alaska or Canada this year. He said all the interactions are "safe and professional."

Since Russia resumed long-range aviation activities in 2007, there has been an average of around seven intercepts a year, though the number in any given year has been zero to 15, Hillier said.