Joint exercise between NORAD, Russia to test response to international hijacking scenario

NORAD, Russia to test hijack response

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The U.S. and Russia are planning a joint exercise to see how well they can coordinate their efforts in the event of an international hijacking.

Military aircraft from Russia and the North American Aerospace Defense Command will track a plane across the Pacific, at one point handing off responsibility for tracking the plane from the U.S. to Russia.

On the return trip, the drill will be reversed.

The exercise includes fighters and surveillance aircraft, civilian aviation agencies and civilian and military personnel from both nations.

The two countries have performed many joint exercises since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is believed to be the first involving a hijack scenario.

The exercise is scheduled for Aug. 8-10.