Days after Trump–Putin summit, US F-16 jets intercept Soviet-era spy plane near Alaskan skies
Aerospace Defense
Command (
NORAD
) says it detected and tracked a
Russian surveillance aircraft
operating in the
Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone
(ADIZ).
According to NORAD, the aircraft, identified as an IL-20 'Coot' electronic intelligence plane, was intercepted by two US F-16 fighter jets, supported by a KC-135 refueling tanker, on Wednesday, August 20. The plane remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territory.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked one IL-20 COOT operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on 20 August 2025.
The Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace and did not…
pic.twitter.com/ypGLOkzrXc
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand)
August 21, 2025
However, officials stressed that such flights occur regularly and are 'not considered a threat,'.
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NORAD noted that it maintains a layered defense system of satellites, radars, and fighter aircraft to monitor air activity around North America and remains ready to 'employ a number of response options' if necessary.
What is the IL-20 'Coot'?
The
Ilyushin IL-20
'Coot-A' is a Cold War–era Soviet aircraft designed for
electronic signals intelligence
(ELINT) missions. According to Milifactory, it was derived from the IL-18 passenger plane.
The IL-20 first flew in 1968 and has been used by the Russian Air Force for decades to intercept communications, radar emissions, and other electronic data.
Equipped with specialized sensors and antennas, the IL-20 provides critical battlefield intelligence by mapping and analyzing enemy defense networks.
This allows Russia to monitor adversaries' military capabilities and, if needed, support offensive operations by exposing vulnerabilities in air defense systems.
Although its design dates back over half a century, the IL-20 remains active in Russia's fleet.
The IL-20 retains most functions of the IL-18, powered by four Ivchenko AI-20M turboprop engines mounted over the low mainplanes. It features a conventional tail with low-set horizontal planes and a retractable tricycle undercarriage.
Notable additions include a long ventral radar array and dorsal and side blisters for sensors, enhancing its ELINT capabilities with excellent range.
Additionally, the IL-20RT variant served as a telemetry and communications relay platform for the Soviet space program, later replaced by the IL-76 series.
Ilyushin Il-20M variants:
According to an article by Army recognition, below are it's variants,
Il-20
: Original late-1960s prototype based on the Il-18D with early ELINT and SLAR systems.
Il-20M
: Standard production model with Igla-1 SLAR and advanced COMINT/ELINT suites.
Il-20M1
: Modernized version with digital signal processing, updated avionics, and improved mission systems.
Il-20RT
: Telemetry variant for Soviet space missions, designed to track and relay spacecraft data.
Upgraded Il-20Ms
: Later refits with satellite comms, improved sensors, and new mission consoles.
What is ADIZ?
The Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is a stretch of international airspace off Alaska's coast that acts as a security buffer, giving US and Canadian forces early warning of approaching aircraft before they enter sovereign airspace.
About NORAD
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a joint organization of the US and Canada responsible for aerospace and maritime warning in North America. Its aerospace warning mission involves detecting and validating attacks via aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles.
Aerospace control ensures air sovereignty and defense for both countries. The NORAD Agreement, renewed in May 2006, also includes a maritime warning mission for enhanced awareness of activities in US and Canadian maritime areas.
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