Russian fighters intercepted an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft over international waters in the Black Sea, last month | Photo: UK Ministry of Defence
The UK Ministry of Defence said an RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was repeatedly intercepted by two Russian fighter aircraft during a flight over the Black Sea last month, in an incident the government described as dangerous.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Rivet Joint aircraft was operating in international airspace on a routine mission connected to NATO activity on its eastern flank. The aircraft was unarmed during the flight.
Officials said one Russian Su-35 fighter aircraft approached closely enough to trigger emergency systems aboard the Rivet Joint aircraft, including the disabling of its autopilot system. In another encounter, a Russian Su-27 fighter aircraft reportedly made six passes in front of the aircraft and flew as close as six metres from its nose.
The UK government said representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office later raised the matter with the Russian Embassy.
Russian fighters intercepted an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft over international waters in the Black Sea, last month | Photo: UK Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary John Healey said, “This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace. These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.”
The Ministry of Defence said the flight continued as planned after the interceptions occurred.
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