A NORAD F-16 intercepts a Russian Tu-142 Bear-F in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone in September 2024 under Operation Noble Eagle. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft in seamless interoperability 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 Alaskan NORAD Region/Alaskan Com
North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 pilots conduct final checks on September 11, 2024 before departing Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-16’s supported OPERATION POLAR VORTEX and provided integration training with Navy assets in the Alaska Theater of Operations. Continuing our presence in the Arctic through training and operations demonstrates how NORAD and U.S. Northern Command campaign daily in coordination with mission partners to deter aggression; enhance deterrence, stability and resilience; advance capabilities and posture; and detect and respond to threats in support of the layered defense of our nations. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney
As for the ‘headbutt’ maneuver, as we have reported on for many years, while deemed unprofessional at very close ranges, these types of antics have gone on for decades, being wholly commonplace during the depths of the Cold War. They have taken on new meaning and become more prolific in recent years as the global security situation shifted for the worse, with Russia and the United States, as well as many of its allies, being directly opposed to one another over the war in Ukraine. China is also notorious for executing similar stunts that have also included actually dumping radar-reflecting chaff into the path of the targeted aircraft, which raises major safety concerns. That being said, the USAF uses the ‘headbutt’ maneuver to gain the attention of wayward aircraft as well, but not in such an aggressive manner.
As for Russia’s activity near Alaska, it has spiked in recent months alongside that of China, which is now extending its power-projection capabilities in the air and at sea, with Alaska being a major focus. This included the first flight of Chinese H-6 cruise missile carriers off Alaskan shores and an increased Russian-Chinese naval presence in the area. This has prompted the U.S. Defense Department to allocate more resources to the highly strategic area, including sending naval assets there to keep a close eye on and deter Russian and Chinese air and naval operations, which are spiking as of late.
With the Arctic being of increasingly great importance, tensions between Russia and the United States climbing, and China becoming more comfortable with long-range military operations, the 18th FIS and their F-22s partners are likely to be busier than ever in the coming months and years.
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Publish date : 2024-09-30 06:49:00
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