Two Russian military aircraft intercepted an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in a “dangerous and provocative manner” over the Black Sea. Zamon.uz reported.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, the incident occurred last month in international airspace. A Russian Su-35 fighter flew at a very close distance to the RAF’s RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, which was conducting a surveillance mission of NATO’s eastern flank. As a result, the aircraft’s emergency safety systems were activated, temporarily disabling the autopilot system.
Additionally, a Russian Su-27 fighter flew ahead of the British aircraft six times. In some instances, it approached to within just six meters of the nose of the reconnaissance aircraft.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised the actions of the RAF crew and described the behaviour of the Russian pilots as “unacceptable.”
“This is another example of dangerous and irresponsible conduct towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace. Such actions increase the risk of an accident and escalation,” said Healey.
The British Ministry of Defence assesses this incident as one of the most dangerous aerial provocations committed by Russia since 2022. That same year, a Russian fighter had also fired a missile at the RAF’s Rivet Joint aircraft over the Black Sea.
According to London, the British aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance flight in accordance with international law. Following the incident, the British Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence requested an official explanation from the Russian Embassy.
The Ministry of Defence also noted an increase in Russian military activity in the region recently. In particular, it is reported that movements of Russian submarines have been observed near British underwater infrastructure in the North Sea.
The RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft of the RAF are equipped with advanced reconnaissance technologies, collecting strategic information in real time by detecting and analysing electromagnetic signals. The aircraft typically operate from an airbase in the Lincolnshire area.
