RAF Spy Plane Intercepted by Russian Jets Over Black Sea in Dangerous Incident
RAF spy plane 'dangerously' intercepted by two Russian jets in 'unacceptable' incident

Image: Dailystar Co Uk
Two Russian jets intercepted a British RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft above the Black Sea, prompting condemnation from the UK Ministry of Defence. The incident, deemed 'dangerous and unacceptable,' involved a Russian Su-35 jet flying dangerously close to the unarmed aircraft, triggering its emergency systems. This escalation follows previous Russian submarine activity near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
- 01A Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the RAF Rivet Joint that it disabled the aircraft's autopilot.
- 02The incident is the most dangerous interception involving British reconnaissance aircraft since a missile was fired in 2022.
- 03Defence Secretary John Healey criticized the Russian pilots' actions as creating a serious risk of accidents.
- 04The RAF Rivet Joint was conducting a routine surveillance mission in international airspace.
- 05Healey praised the professionalism of the RAF crew for continuing their mission despite the threats.
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The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported a serious incident involving two Russian jets intercepting a British RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea. The interception was described as 'dangerous and unacceptable' after a Russian Su-35 jet flew so close that it triggered the Rivet Joint's emergency systems, including disabling its autopilot. Additionally, a Su-27 jet flew just six meters from the aircraft's nose, performing six passes in front of it. This event marks the most perilous Russian action against a British reconnaissance aircraft since a missile was fired in 2022. Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the Russian pilots' behavior, highlighting the serious risks of accidents and potential escalation. He stated that the Rivet Joint was on a routine flight as part of the UK's mission to support NATO's eastern flank. Healey also commended the RAF crew's professionalism, asserting that such incidents would not deter the UK’s commitment to defending NATO and its allies against Russian aggression.
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The incident raises concerns about the safety of RAF operations and the potential for military escalation in the region.
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