British RAF plane came within metres of collision after being 'repeatedly and dangerously' buzzed by Russian fighters

Russian fighter aircraft "repeatedly and dangerously intercepted" a British reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea, coming within just six meters of the RAF plane during the incident.

At one point, the Russian jets flew so close, they disengaged the RAF aircraft's autopilot.

The British Government raised a diplomatic complaint with Moscow this week, over the incident which occurred last month.

The British aircraft at the centre of the dangerous buzzing incidents was a Royal Air Force River Joint reconnaissance Jet.

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Releasing details today, the UK Ministry of Defence said one Russian Su-35 aircraft flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling the autopilot system.

In another dangerous intercept, a Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft, flying as close as six metres of the Rivet Joint’s nose.

The MoD released video and pictures of the flight incident where the Russian fighters can be seen repeatedly flying close to the British jet.

The RAF said the Rivet Joint aircraft was carrying out a routine flight in international airspace over the Black Sea and was unarmed.

The operation was part of the UK’s work alongside allies to secure Nato’s Eastern Flank.

An MoD spokesman said: "Despite the dangerous Russian actions, the RAF crew remained calm and professional throughout and completed their planned flight.

"This week, representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office démarched the Russian Embassy to condemn the pilots’ dangerous and unacceptable behaviour."

UK Defence Secretary John Healy said: "This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace.

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"These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.

"I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions.

"Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression."

According to the MoD, the incident was the most dangerous Russian action against a UK Rivet Joint since 2022, when a Russian plane fired a missile over the Black Sea.

The RAF say the Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft, using advanced sensors for electronic surveillance, enhancing situational awareness and helping keep Nato territory safe.

The UK Government said the latest incident comes amid continued Russian aggression and heightened military activity in Eastern Europe and the High North.

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