[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted and collided with the propeller of a US military MQ-9 “Reaper” surveillance drone, causing it to crash into the Black Sea in an incident described as “unsafe” by the US military.
The American espionage drone was intercepted by two Russian Su-27 fighters, one of which collided with it at 7:03 a.m. (0603 GMT). The Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on the MQ-9 many times before the crash, according to a statement released by the US military.
“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and damaged by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and total loss of the MQ-9,” said US Air Force General James Hecker, who commands the US Air Force in the region.
“In fact, the Russians’ hazardous and unprofessional behaviour nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”
Moscow made no immediate comment.
According to the US military, the event was the result of a pattern of unsafe behaviour by Russian pilots operating near US and allied aircraft, notably over the Black Sea. The Black Sea is located between Europe and Asia and is bounded by Russia and Ukraine, among others.
According to White House spokesman John Kirby, President Joe Biden was also briefed on the incident.
While other such intercepts have occurred, Kirby stated that this one was notable because it was “unsafe and unprofessional” and resulted in the downing of an American aircraft. “In that sense, it’s unusual,” Kirby added.
“The State Department will contact directly with their Russian counterparts, expressing our concerns about this dangerous and unprofessional intercept,” he said.
Also Read: Overnight Russian strikes across Ukraine claim at least 11 lives[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
