The U.S. military has deployed 130 soldiers and mobile rocket launchers to an island in Alaska’s Aleutian chain as Russian military activity ramps up near American waters. In recent days, eight Russian aircraft and four naval vessels, including submarines, approached Alaska while participating in joint drills with China.
Though none of the Russian planes entered U.S. airspace, their proximity has prompted a strong response. “We’ve seen this before,” said Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder, noting that the U.S. is well-prepared to monitor and respond to such activities. The U.S. Coast Guard also reported tracking four Russian Navy vessels near Point Hope, Alaska.
The military buildup comes after a July incident when U.S. and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers off the coast of Alaska. In addition, Russian state media recently confirmed that over 15 warships practiced missile launches in the region.
Major General Joseph Hilbert of the 11th Airborne emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “Deploying combat-credible forces quickly to remote locations is critical to defending our nation and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The number of Russian military incursions into Alaskan airspace has increased in recent years, with 25 reported so far in 2024. While the Pentagon maintains that these activities do not pose an immediate threat, officials, including Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), have raised concerns over escalating tensions and called for the reopening of Naval Air Facility Adak to bolster U.S. defenses.
