Russian fighter jets carried out a dangerous interception of a British RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft during a mission over the Black Sea.
The Royal Air Force said the Russian aircraft flew to within just six meters of the British plane.
The incident happened during a routine flight in international airspace supporting NATO operations to strengthen security on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
British officials said the Russian fighters activated their onboard emergency systems during the close approach, underlining how risky the maneuver was.
Despite the incident, the British crew safely completed its mission.
The RC-135W Rivet Joint is a specialized electronic and signals intelligence aircraft equipped with a range of sensors designed to collect information on radar, communications, and other electronic activity.
Such aircraft are regularly used to monitor Russian military activity near NATO borders, particularly over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions.
Similar aggressive interceptions by Russian aircraft have been recorded on multiple occasions, but closing to within just a few meters creates a real risk of an in-air collision.
Britain’s defense officials stressed that the incident reflects Russia’s ongoing aggressive military behavior in Eastern Europe and northern regions.
The incident also highlights the high level of tension in the airspace near areas of NATO and Russian military activity.
Despite the incident, the United Kingdom said it will continue supporting its NATO allies and carrying out similar reconnaissance missions.
Previously, NATO warned the Kremlin that it was prepared to shoot down aircraft violating Alliance’s airspace, prompting threats of war in response.
