In response to a rise in Russian military activity near Alaska, the U.S. has deployed 130 soldiers and mobile rocket launchers to a remote island in the Aleutians. This action comes as Russian aircraft and naval vessels, including submarines, have approached U.S. waters, part of joint drills between Russia and China.
Over the past week, eight Russian aircraft and four warships were detected near Alaska, though none entered U.S. airspace. Major General Pat Ryder of the Pentagon downplayed immediate concerns but stated that the U.S. would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Russian state media reported that more than 15 Russian warships participated in missile launch exercises in the region. The U.S. response also follows a July incident in which U.S. and Canadian forces intercepted Chinese and Russian bombers near Alaska.
Major General Joseph Hilbert, commander of the 11th Airborne, highlighted the importance of rapid deployment capabilities in defending U.S. territory. “Our ability to deploy quickly to any location, no matter how remote, is critical to our national defense,” he said.
With Russian military incursions into Alaska increasing—25 so far this year compared to just six or seven annually in previous years—officials are urging for increased military presence in the region. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) called for the reopening of the Adak Naval base to ensure continued protection of U.S. interests in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions.
