Head of Alaskan Command says Russian military aircraft activity in 2020 was highest since the fall of the Soviet Union

The head of Alaskan Command, Lt. Gen. David Krumm, has warned that increased Russian military activity arond Alaska is taxing the units that respond to them.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – North American Aerospace Defense Command F-22s, CF-18s, supported by KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, intercepted two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on Monday, March 9th.

Photo: North American Aerospace Defense Command

Besides fighters, other units such as E-3 and KC-135 tankers are required to support those long-range intercepts.

“We intercepted over 60 aircraft last year in and around the Alaska ADIZ. We monitor more than that,” Krumm was quoted as saying at an Air Force Association event.

“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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