Dating back to 1955, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) Tracks Santa has become an annual tradition, with the American air defence agency publicly 'tracking' Santa's journey around the world every Christmas Eve. Originating as a result of a misprinted number on a retail poster directing callers towards NORAD's predecessor, the defence group still invites kids to call up for updates on Santa's location. Celebrity volunteers such as Michelle Obama have previously operated the phones.

NORAD has also started a tracking website, allowing visitors to follow Santa via an interactive map. It remains an incredibly popular effort, attracting over 22 million hits to the website and over 100,000 phone calls last year alone.

This year, the tracking site has gotten an upgrade, including a new smartphone and tablet friendly interface designed in conjunction with Microsoft. As seen in a promotional video for the service, there's a slightly less popular addition as well: a pair of animated fighter jets will be accompanying Santa on his voyage.

NORAD has always been associated with the Santa tracking effort, although it funds the service through corporate donations rather than public funds. However, some critics are suggesting the connection is too close for comfort this year.

Speaking to the Boston Globe, the University of Washington's Amy Hagopian says "I think people are quite aware of the military’s true mission. If the military wants to keep its ranks stocked, it needs to appeal to children. The military knows it can’t appeal to adults to volunteer. It is like the ad industry."

NORAD has said the jets are part of an effort to help raise awareness of NORAD's regular activities, with a spokesperson Navy Commander Jeff Davis explaining they are "part of our effort to give the program more of an operational feel". 

You can visit the NORAD Tracks Santa website here, and view the contentious video below. Google will also be operating an online Santa tracker this Christmas Eve.