US F-16s intercept Russian IL-20 spy plane near Alaska days after Trump and Putin summit
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Aug 21, 2025, 22:50 IST
Just days after Presidents Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, US F-16s intercepted a Russian IL-20 surveillance aircraft operating in the Alaskan ADIZ. Though it stayed in international airspace, the incident drew attention due to its timing. NORAD called the flight routine but continues to monitor regional aerial activity closely.
Just five days after President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage for the 2025 Russia–United States Summit, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported the detection and interception of a Russian surveillance aircraft in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone.
The aircraft, identified as an Ilyushin IL-20 “Coot,” was intercepted by two US F-16 fighter jets, supported by a KC-135 refueling tanker, on Wednesday, August 20. According to NORAD, the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territory.
Officials emphasized that such encounters are routine and not considered a threat. However, the timing of the flight—closely following the high-level diplomatic engagement between the two leaders—has drawn attention. The incident underscores the persistent surveillance and monitoring operations carried out by both nations, particularly in strategically sensitive regions like the Arctic.
The IL-20 is a Soviet-era electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) aircraft that has been in service since 1968. Developed from the IL-18 passenger aircraft, it is designed to intercept and analyze radar signals, communications, and other electronic emissions. The IL-20 features a range of specialized sensors, including a ventral radar array and sensor blisters along its fuselage, giving it extended surveillance capabilities. Despite its age, the aircraft remains active in the Russian Air Force, with several upgraded versions featuring modern avionics and digital processing systems.
Variants of the IL-20 include the original prototype, the IL-20M with advanced ELINT and SLAR systems, the IL-20M1 with digital upgrades, and the IL-20RT, used historically for space mission telemetry. Some upgraded IL-20M models now incorporate satellite communication and enhanced mission consoles.
The incident occurred within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area of international airspace that serves as a buffer for early detection of approaching aircraft. NORAD, which is jointly operated by the United States and Canada, is responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace through a multi-layered system that includes radar, satellites, and fighter aircraft.
NORAD reiterated that it remains prepared to respond with a range of options if necessary. The command’s role includes aerospace warning and control, as well as maritime warning, and it continues to play a central part in maintaining air sovereignty for both nations.
While NORAD and US defense officials have described the interception as standard procedure, the presence of a Russian military aircraft in the ADIZ so soon after a summit has renewed attention on the persistent military activities conducted by both sides in the region.
The aircraft, identified as an Ilyushin IL-20 “Coot,” was intercepted by two US F-16 fighter jets, supported by a KC-135 refueling tanker, on Wednesday, August 20. According to NORAD, the aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territory.
Officials emphasized that such encounters are routine and not considered a threat. However, the timing of the flight—closely following the high-level diplomatic engagement between the two leaders—has drawn attention. The incident underscores the persistent surveillance and monitoring operations carried out by both nations, particularly in strategically sensitive regions like the Arctic.
The IL-20 is a Soviet-era electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) aircraft that has been in service since 1968. Developed from the IL-18 passenger aircraft, it is designed to intercept and analyze radar signals, communications, and other electronic emissions. The IL-20 features a range of specialized sensors, including a ventral radar array and sensor blisters along its fuselage, giving it extended surveillance capabilities. Despite its age, the aircraft remains active in the Russian Air Force, with several upgraded versions featuring modern avionics and digital processing systems.
Variants of the IL-20 include the original prototype, the IL-20M with advanced ELINT and SLAR systems, the IL-20M1 with digital upgrades, and the IL-20RT, used historically for space mission telemetry. Some upgraded IL-20M models now incorporate satellite communication and enhanced mission consoles.
The incident occurred within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area of international airspace that serves as a buffer for early detection of approaching aircraft. NORAD, which is jointly operated by the United States and Canada, is responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace through a multi-layered system that includes radar, satellites, and fighter aircraft.
NORAD reiterated that it remains prepared to respond with a range of options if necessary. The command’s role includes aerospace warning and control, as well as maritime warning, and it continues to play a central part in maintaining air sovereignty for both nations.
While NORAD and US defense officials have described the interception as standard procedure, the presence of a Russian military aircraft in the ADIZ so soon after a summit has renewed attention on the persistent military activities conducted by both sides in the region.