A recent incident involving a Russian Su-27 jet flying within six meters of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint spy plane over the Black Sea has raised significant concerns regarding military safety and diplomatic relations. The encounter occurred during a surveillance mission, with the Russian jet conducting six passes in front of the British aircraft, risking a potential collision. Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the incident as 'dangerous and unacceptable,' highlighting that such actions create serious risks and could escalate tensions between the UK and Russia. A second incident involved a Russian Su-35 jet that flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling its autopilot. These events mark the most dangerous actions against British spy planes since a missile incident in 2022. The UK Ministry of Defence noted an increase in Russian military activities in Europe, including the tracking of Russian submarines near critical undersea infrastructure. Healey commended the professionalism of the RAF crew, asserting that these incidents would not deter the UK's commitment to NATO and its allies amid ongoing Russian aggression.