UK Accuses Russian Fighter Jets of Reckless Black Sea Intercept

Two Russian fighter jets reportedly carried out a “dangerous” interception of a British Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, raising fresh concerns over escalating tensions between Russia and NATO.

British officials said the incident occurred last month while an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was conducting what London described as a routine surveillance mission in international airspace as part of NATO operations along its eastern flank.

According to the UK government, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew so close to the RAF aircraft that it triggered emergency systems onboard, including temporarily disabling the plane’s autopilot. Another Russian Su-27 jet reportedly made six aggressive passes in front of the British aircraft and came within six metres of its nose.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the encounter, describing the actions of the Russian pilots as “dangerous and unacceptable.” He warned that such manoeuvres increase the risk of accidents and potential military escalation between Russia and NATO forces.

The incident is being described by British media as one of the most serious confrontations involving an RAF surveillance aircraft since 2022, when a Russian jet fired a missile near another British reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea in what Moscow later claimed was a technical malfunction.

Russia has not officially commented on the latest accusations. However, Moscow has repeatedly defended its aerial interceptions near contested regions, arguing that NATO surveillance operations close to Russian territory pose security threats.

The Black Sea has remained a hotspot for military tensions since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, with increasing encounters involving Russian aircraft and NATO forces operating in the region.