ISTANBUL

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military aircraft operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, according to a statement from the defense command's Public Affairs.

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territory. NORAD emphasized that such activity is routine and does not pose a direct threat.

"This Russian activity in Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat," the statement read.

An ADIZ is a designated area of international airspace extending beyond a nation's sovereign borders where aircraft identification is required for national security purposes.

NORAD, which employs a multi-layered defense system that includes satellites, radars, and fighter jets, reiterated its readiness to take action if necessary.

"NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America," the command stated.