Russian Warplanes Are Buzzing Alaska At Highest Rate Since Cold War

Russian warplanes are buzzing Alaska at the highest rate since the collapse of the Soviet Union, US commander says

Adriana Elgueta

THE US Air Force is seeing the "highest activity" of Russian aircraft over Alaska since the Cold War, a top US commander has said.

The increased military activity in the area is attributed to Russia's expanding activities, according to Air Force generals.

Top US commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, said on Wednesday that the activity was taxing for the units that intercept, but that they were handling it well.

The Lt. Gen. is the latest US military official to warn about those flights, which have "increased significantly."

He explained at an Air Force Association event: "As a matter of fact, the highest activity we've had since the fall of the Soviet Union occurred last year.

"So we've intercepted more airplanes in and around the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) than in a really, really long time."

The ADIZ is not US airspace, but US aircraft often intercept Russia aircraft that enter it. 

"We intercepted over 60 aircraft last year in and around the Alaska ADIZ. We monitor more than that," Krumm said adding that F-22 fighter jets, E-3 early warning and control aircraft, and KC-135 tankers are typically involved.

"While there is a strain on our units, I will tell you that they're managing it very, very effectively," Krumm added.

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