Russian Jet Nearly Collides with RAF Spy Plane Over Black Sea
A Russian Su-27 jet flew within six metres of an unarmed Royal Air Force (RAF) Rivet Joint spy plane flying at 500mph over the Black Sea, marking one of two mid-air encounters last month that the UK defence secretary described as "dangerous and unacceptable."
The Su-27 conducted six passes directly in front of the British aircraft, flying close to its nose and creating a significant risk of collision. This incident had the potential to escalate into a diplomatic crisis between the United Kingdom and Russia.
In a separate event, a Russian Su-35 jet approached the same British spy plane closely enough to activate its emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot, while the RAF aircraft was conducting a surveillance mission over international airspace.
Details of the RAF Spy Plane and Mission
The Rivet Joint is an electronic surveillance aircraft operated by a crew of up to 30 personnel. It is capable of conducting a wide range of electronic intelligence gathering within a radius of approximately 150 miles. At the time of the incidents, the Rivet Joint was monitoring Russian military activity as part of a routine patrol.
Official Response and Context
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace condemned the incidents, emphasizing the risks posed by the Russian pilots' actions. He stated:
"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 (MoD) noted that this was the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a missile was fired over the Black Sea in 2022.
Increased Russian Military Activity in the Region
Russia has been intensifying its military operations in the region. On Wednesday, Lithuanian politicians took shelter underground and air traffic at Vilnius airport was temporarily halted after a drone violated Lithuanian airspace.
Additionally, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations claimed that Moscow had intelligence indicating that military drones were planned to be launched from Latvia and other Baltic states. Latvian officials dismissed these allegations as "pure fiction."
Last month, two Russian frigates escorted oil tankers and a suspected arms shipment through the North Sea and the Dover Strait. These activities necessitated a month-long surveillance patrol by the Royal Navy.
Furthermore, Defence Secretary Wallace revealed that the UK had tracked three Russian submarines that loitered near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before departing.
Tribute to RAF Crew and UK Commitment
Wallace paid tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew involved in the incidents, stating:
"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."
