The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, reported that Russian military planes were spotted near Alaska. This is not a new occurrence.  It happens all the time.  The area where this happened is called the Air Defense Identification Zone, or ADIZ.  It is a large area that extends 150 miles from the U. S. coast.  Inside this zone, aircraft are supposed to turn on their transponders or identify themselves.  It is a way to keep track of who is flying in the area.

The Russian planes did not enter U. S. or Canadian airspace.  They just flew through the ADIZ.  NORAD kept an eye on them the whole time.  No one had to scramble jets to intercept the Russian planes.  This is because the activity was seen as routine.  It was not seen as a threat.  U. S. airspace starts 12 nautical miles from the coast.  The Russian planes stayed well outside of this area.

Why do Russian planes fly near Alaska?  It is a way for Russia to show its military strength.  It is also a way to test the U. S. and Canadian defense systems.  The U. S. and Canada have a joint defense command.  This means they work together to protect their airspace.  The Russian planes flying near Alaska is a way to see how well they work together.

The U. S. and Russia have a history of tension.  This is nothing new.  They have been rivals for a long time.  The Cold War was a time when the U. S. and Russia were on the brink of war.  It was a time of high tension and mistrust.  The Russian planes flying near Alaska is a reminder of this history.  It is a way to keep the tension alive.  However, it is important to note that this is a routine occurrence.  It is not seen as a threat.  It is just a way for Russia to show its military strength.

It is also important to note that the U. S. and Canada have a strong defense system.  They are able to track and monitor aircraft in their airspace.  They are also able to intercept aircraft if necessary.  The Russian planes flying near Alaska is a test of their defense system.  It is a way to see how well they are able to protect their airspace.  So far, they have been successful in tracking and monitoring the Russian planes.  They have not had to intercept any of the planes.  This is a good sign.  It shows that their defense system is working.