RAF spy aircraft ‘dangerously’ intercepted by two Russian jets in ‘unacceptable’ incident
An RAF spy plane was “repeatedly and dangerously” intercepted by Russian jets above the Black Sea, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed following the incident in April
One of the Russian Su-35 alongside an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft over the Black Sea(Image: UK MOD Crown copyright)
Two Russian jets “dangerously” intercepted an RAF spy plane above the Black Sea in an incident been slammed as “unacceptable”, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
A Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the British reconnaissance aircraft that it triggered its emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot.
One of the nation’s Su-27s also flew six metres from the unarmed Rivet Joint’s nose and carried out six passes in front.
It is the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea in 2022, the MoD said when it revealed the interceptions on Wednesday (May 20).
This comes after the Defence Secretary in April revealed the UK had tracked three Russian submarines that loitered over critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before retreating.
After the airborne interception, John Healey branded the incident as “dangerous and unacceptable behaviour”.
In a statement, he 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 Rivet Joint was conducting a routine flight in international airspace above the Black Sea as part of the UK’s work with allies to “secure Nato’s eastern flank”, the MoD said.
The aircraft use advance sensors for electronic surveillance.
Mr Healey added: “I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions.
“Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.”
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