A Russian fighter jet and US aircraft unwittingly passed within a half mile of each other over Syria on Oct. 17, Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said Friday. The Russian jet passed in front of the “larger framed” US aircraft, which was close enough to feel the jet wash. “So that’s closer than we’d like,” Dorrian said. He said there was immediate contact between the two aircraft and then follow-up on the deconfliction channel, which remains in daily use. The Pentagon does not believe there was “nefarious intent” on the part of the Russian pilot, Dorrian said.
Golden Dome Details Begin to Emerge
Dec. 7, 2025
The Golden Dome air and missile defense shield to protect the United States will have some “operational capability” in 2028, the program’s leader said Dec. 6 at the Reagan National Defense Forum.

