Russian Su-27 passes 5ft in front of US surveillance plane
Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea on Monday, prompting the American government to protest the manoeuvre as “an unsafe interaction”.
The US State Department said the Russian jet closed to within five feet and crossed directly in front of the EP-3 Aries II plane.
The encounter, first reported by Russia’s RIA news agency, cited the defense ministry as saying the US Navy aircraft, did not violate Russian air space.
“This is but the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements,” said the State Department.
“We call on Russia to cease these unsafe actions that increase the risk of miscalculation, danger to aircrew on both sides, and midair collisions.”
