Russian jets 'dangerously intercepted' RAF spy plane over Black Sea

Russian jets 'dangerously intercepted' RAF spy plane over Black Sea6 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHenry MooreRAF intercepts two Russian jets flying over Black SeaTwo Russian warplanes "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted an unarmed unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.A Russian Su-35 fighter approached the Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, getting close enough to trigger its emergency systems, disabling its autopilot.And a Su-27 jet also carried out six passes in front of the RAF plane, getting as close as six metres (19ft) from its nose.Defence Secretary John Healey praised the "outstanding professionalism" of the RAF crew during "unacceptable" Russian flybys, which the MoD say is the most dangerous Russian action since 2022, when a "rogue" pilot fired a missile at a Rivet Joint over the Black Sea.Estonia says Nato jet shot down drone over its territoryWhat is Nato and which countries are in it?The MoD said the Rivet Joint had been conducting a routine international flight to aid in securing Nato's eastern flank.Condemning the airborne interceptions, Healey 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 of accidents and potential escalation."He added: "This incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression."The MoD and Foreign Office have called on the Russian embassy to condemn the incident.These latest interceptions come amid increased Russian aggression in the region, the MoD added, pointing to recent submarine activity over critical underwater British infrastructure in the North Sea.This incident follows a similar one which saw a "rogue" Russian pilot attempt to shoot down an RAF...