Two Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today.
At approximately 7:03 AM (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional.
“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa. “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”
“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker added.
This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.
The Russian Navy would appear to have launched a rescue operation. It is currently unclear whether the Su-27 involved in the crash also crashed in the Black Sea
This is not the first time Russian aircraft have intercepted NATO assets inside international airspace over the Black Sea with dangerous maneuvers.
Even during the interception of an RAF RC-135 in September, a missile was accidentally fired by a Russian fighter jet.
(https://www.dvidshub.net)
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Nice, timely report.
Why are the American flying their drone close to Russia, what is it they wanna achieve, as much as it it international flying space they are up to something- much respect to President Vladimir Putin for taking a stand against the bullies .
May beautiful lord grant you many years to come so you can be able to stay up for everyone right on planet earth . Please make sure China/ Iran / Noth Korea you sign a solid deal that will push away bullies of this world .
Putin is killing innocent civilians and you say much respect to the murder, obviously you dont understand the resolve available to the US and the restraint we have in exercising it. Know that one of the US aircraft carrier fleets has the armament to defeat the entire Russian Navy. And, Putin ran out of fuel going into Ukraine and the troops ran out of food and walked away from their own convoy. Putin is the bully.
Fatalità usano sempre RQ-4B e sta volta guarda caso era un mq9 fatalità….
Gli MQ-9 sono utilizzati quotidianamente sia sul Mar Nero che sulla Polonia orientale. Semplicemente non si vedono perché, a differenza dei Global Hawk, non sono tracciabili. Nessuna fatalità quindi.