American Pilots Trained to Counter Russian Threat Will Now Protect Putin

Kokcha News Agency – Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to visit the United States for the first time in 10 years. Interestingly, the same American fighter jets that intercepted Russian aircraft just two weeks ago will now escort and protect the Russian leader on U.S. soil.

“An Interesting Irony”
Retired Canadian Royal Air Force Major General Scott Clancy told Newsweek, “The air defense system used to protect North America from military incursions, which Russia has made three times this year, will now be used to protect the Russian President. It’s an interesting irony.”

Weeks Ago, They Intercepted Russian Jets
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint U.S.-Canada military structure, is responsible for the continent’s air security. For the U.S., this mission includes Alaska, which lies outside the mainland. NORAD fighter jets intercepted Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighter jets in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 22.

Security Measures for the Summit
Extraordinary security measures will be in place during Putin’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday.

Clancy, former Deputy Commander of NORAD’s Alaska Region, said the summit will be considered under a “special security protocol” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

NORAD’s “layered defense network,” which includes radar, satellites, and fighter jets, will be activated to detect any unauthorized aircraft. Suspicious air vehicles will be intercepted, and fighter jets will intervene if necessary.

Will Russian Military Aircraft Be Involved?
Putin is expected to arrive in Alaska without a Russian military escort. However, Clancy noted that if needed, U.S. and Russian fighter jets could coordinate to escort the Russian leader’s plane.

Putin’s security will be the responsibility of the U.S. Secret Service, which protects not only the U.S. President but also visiting foreign leaders. Putin’s own security team will also be present.

The U.S. Secret Service stated, “The President’s security is our top priority,” but did not disclose operational details.

Alaska: The U.S.’s Closest Point to Russia
Alaska, located just 3 kilometers from Russia across the Bering Strait, is the U.S.’s most forward position against Russia. The state is home to one of the world’s most concentrated fleets of fifth-generation fighter jets.

At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, F-22 Raptors are stationed, while F-35s are based in Fairbanks. Additionally, E-3 AWACS reconnaissance aircraft and long-range tankers operate from these bases.

NORAD conducts patrols in the region not only against Russian threats but also against potential Chinese incursions. Last year, Chinese H-6 bombers flew near Alaska alongside Russian Tu-95s, prompting F-16, F-35, and Canadian CF-18 jets to scramble.