Russian jet near-collision with RAF spy plane over Black Sea

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet flew within six meters of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft traveling at 500 mph over the Black Sea last month, in an incident that British Defense Secretary John Healey described as “dangerous and unacceptable.”

The Su-27 conducted six passes in front of the Rivet Joint, coming close to its nose and risking a collision that could have triggered a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Defence.

On a separate occasion, a Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the British spy plane that it activated emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot, while the Rivet Joint was conducting a surveillance mission over international airspace.

The Rivet Joint, a surveillance aircraft with a crew of up to 30, can perform a wide range of electronic spying at distances of up to 150 miles and was monitoring Russian activity as part of a NATO patrol.

“This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace,” Healey said. “These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.”

The MoD said Wednesday 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.

Russia has been increasing its military activity across Europe. Lithuanian politicians took shelter underground on Wednesday and Vilnius airport temporarily suspended air traffic after a drone violated the country’s airspace.

A day earlier, Russia’s ambassador to the UN claimed Moscow had intelligence that Ukraine planned to launch military drones from Latvia and other Baltic states. Latvia dismissed the allegations as “pure fiction.”

Last month, two Russian frigates escorted oil tankers and a suspected arms shipment through the North Sea and Dover Strait, requiring a month-long surveillance patrol by the Royal Navy.

Healey also revealed last month that the UK had tracked three Russian submarines that lingered near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before departing.

“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,” Healey said. “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.”