Russian warplanes ‘repeatedly’ intercepted RAF spy plane over Black Sea

Key points

• Two Russian warplanes “repeatedly and dangerously” intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month, in what the Ministry of Defence described as the most dangerous encounter involving an RAF aircraft since 2022.According to the MoD, a Russian Su-35 fighter approached the Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft closely enough to trigger its emergency systems and disable its autopilot.
• A Su-27 jet also carried out six passes in front of the RAF plane, coming within six metres (19ft) of its nose.The MoD, cited by BBC, said the Rivet Joint had been conducting a routine international flight to support the security of Nato’s eastern flank.Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the interceptions and praised the “outstanding professionalism” of the RAF crew during the incident.He said: “This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace.“These actions create a serious risk...