Russian Su-35 performs dangerous maneuver near US F-16 off Alaska

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew dangerously close to a US F-16 near Alaska on September 23, performing an unsafe maneuver known as "headbutting." The US military released footage of the incident, which was described as unprofessional by NORAD. This incident occurred during a routine intercept of a Russian Tu-95 aircraft. NORAD stated that while intercepts are typically safe, this particular maneuver endangered both aircraft. The US has noted an increase in aggressive behavior from Russian pilots in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. In response to heightened Russian military activity, the US temporarily deployed about 130 soldiers with mobile rocket launchers to a remote island in Alaska. This deployment coincided with increased Russian air and naval operations near US shores, including joint drills with China.