A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
01
Russian jet flew within six meters of RAF plane.
02
Incident occurred over international Black Sea airspace.
03
UK deems action dangerous and unacceptable.
Atlas AI
Russian Jet's Close Pass Risks Collision
A Russian Su-27 jet conducted six passes within six meters of an unarmed British Royal Air Force (RAF) Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea last month, creating a near-collision scenario. This incident, described as "dangerous and unacceptable" by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, occurred while the RAF plane was operating in international airspace.
The close proximity of the Russian fighter jet, flying at approximately 500 mph, posed a significant risk of a mid-air collision. A separate incident involved a Russian Su-35 jet flying close enough to another British spy plane to trigger its emergency systems and disable the autopilot during a surveillance mission in international airspace.
These events represent the most dangerous Russian actions against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a missile was fired over the Black Sea in 2022. The UK Ministry of Defence views these actions as increasing the risk of accidents and potential escalation, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region.
