Risky skies: F‑35 and Su‑35 clash over Alaskan airspace
The recording from the cockpit of an American F-35A fighter jet, showing a close encounter with a Russian Su-35, appeared on the Fighterbomber channel on Telegram, reports The War Zone. However, the exact location and time of the incident were not provided. Such manoeuvres and close encounters between fighter jets can be dangerous and, in extreme cases, result in a collision.
NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) confirmed that on February 18, 2025, Russian aircraft were intercepted near Alaska. Although dangerous, such incidents are not uncommon. Similar situations have happened in the past between U.S. and Russian aircraft, as well as Chinese aircraft.
Close encounter between F-35A and Su-35
"Although we cannot verify the authenticity of the recording [it can be seen below - ed. note], NORAD confirms the interception of a Russian aircraft on February 18, 2025. The Russian aircraft's manoeuvres shown in the video are once again not what one would expect from professional air forces," NORAD stated in response to questions from The War Zone service.
In February, NORAD published photos of an F-35A accompanied by Su-35 and Tu-95 in international airspace over Alaska. Although no dangerous manoeuvres were reported at the time, such situations can lead to collisions. In recent years, the number of close encounters between U.S., Russian, and Chinese aircraft has increased. Russian and Chinese air forces are increasingly conducting joint operations in the Pacific region, including around Alaska.
For example, in 2024, Chinese H-6 aircraft flew near Alaska for the first time as part of joint patrols. In March 2025, a Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft approached the American carrier USS Carl Vinson during exercises with Japan and South Korea.
Su-35 and F-35A aerial machine clash
The F-35A is the most frequently produced Lightning II fighter family variant, designed for air forces. It was developed as a stealth, multirole fighter capable of performing both strike missions and medium-range air combat. Its fuselage is designed to minimize radar cross-section, with most of its armament carried in internal bays. The aircraft is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and an operational range exceeding 2,200 kilometres without additional tanks.
The pilot's aids include the AN/APG-81 AESA radar and the DAS (Distributed Aperture System), providing full situational awareness within a 360-degree range and the advanced EOTS targeting system. Pilots use HMDs (Helmet Mounted Displays) that replace traditional displays and allow target tracking by sight. The F-35A can carry weapons such as AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, JDAM guided bombs, GBU-39 SDB, or even the B61-12 nuclear bomb.
The Su-35, on the other hand, embodies the Russian approach to air combat—fast, manoeuvrable, and capable of carrying a wide range of weaponry. Although derived from the Su-27 design, its avionics, engines, and weapons systems have been thoroughly modernized. The fighter is powered by two AL-41F1S engines, allowing it to reach speeds up to Mach 2.25. Its range exceeds 3,600 kilometres without refuelling.
The Irbis-E radar is a powerful PESA-type system, capable of tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously and engaging eight at once. The Su-35 carries a wide array of weaponry—from R-77-1 and R-73 air-to-air missiles to heavy R-37M missiles with a range of over 300 kilometres, to air-to-ground weapons such as Kh-31 and Kh-59 missiles, KAB guided bombs, and Kh-35 cruise missiles. Unlike the F-35, the Su-35 does not have internal weapon bays, which increases its detectability but allows it to carry up to 8,000 kilograms of diverse combat payloads.
