Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

An Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is a designated area that extends over both land and water, within which aircraft identification, location and control is required by national security interests. The zone is established by a country to identify all aircraft entering and flying within its airspace, regardless of whether the aircraft intends to enter the country’s sovereign airspace. It is a preemptive measure taken by a country to maintain air security, by providing an early warning to track, identify and monitor all aircraft. The establishment of an ADIZ is an important aspect of air defense for many nations, as it strengthens the country’s ability to safeguard its airspace and territorial integrity. Aircraft entering an ADIZ must comply with the regulations and protocols established by the country that established it, such as providing advance notice of its intention to enter the zone, use of transponders, and communication with air traffic control. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in interception or other defensive measures being taken by the country’s military forces.