Russian jets 'dangerously' intercept RAF spy plane over Black Sea
Summary
Two Russian fighter jets flew very close to a British spy plane over the Black Sea last month, causing the plane’s autopilot to turn off. The UK Ministry of Defence called the Russian actions dangerous and said the British crew acted professionally during the incident.Key Facts
- A Russian Su-35 jet came so close to the RAF Rivet Joint spy plane that it triggered the plane’s emergency systems and disabled its autopilot.
- A Su-27 fighter jet made six close passes, coming within 6 meters (19 feet) of the plane’s nose.
- The RAF plane was on a routine flight to help protect NATO’s eastern border.
- The UK Defence Secretary called the Russian interceptions unacceptable and risky for accidents or conflict.
- This event is the most dangerous Russian action against the plane since September 2022, when a Russian pilot fired a missile at the same type of plane over the Black Sea.
- The Russian embassy was asked by UK officials to condemn the incident.
- The incident happens amid increased Russian military activity around important UK underwater infrastructure.
- The RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint plane gathers intelligence by intercepting and analyzing electronic signals during its missions.
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