Two Russian jets have intercepted a Royal Air Force plane over the Black Sea, according to a new report from the UK Ministry of Defence.<\/p>\n
In April, the RAF Rivet Joint aircraft, an unarmed reconnaissance plane, was flying through international airspace when the incident occurred.<\/p>\n
According to the ministry, this was a routine flight and part of the “UK’s work alongside allies to secure NATO’s Eastern Flank”.<\/p>\n
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But the routine was broken when a Sukhoi Su-35 flew close enough to trigger the Rivet Joint’s emergency systems, including disabling its autopilot.<\/p>\n
Then another jet, an Su-27, flew in, conducting six passes in front of the RAF plane, coming within six metres of the Rivet Joint’s nose.<\/p>\n
Defence Secretary John Healey said this was “another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots”.<\/p>\n
“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,” Mr Healey said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The ministry said this latest interception was the most dangerous action against a Rivet Joint since 2022, when Russia fired a missile over the Black Sea.<\/p>\n
This is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats between the UK and Russia in recent months, including a deployment of UK military forces to prevent attacks by Russian submarines on cables and pipelines in British waters.<\/p>\n