An unarmed Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by Russian fighter jets during a mission over the Black Sea, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The incident occurred last month while the aircraft was conducting what London described as a routine reconnaissance flight in international airspace in support of NATO’s eastern flank.
According to the Ministry of Defence, two Russian combat aircraft, a Su-35 and a Su-27, approached the Rivet Joint, with one closing to within approximately six meters of the British aircraft’s nose. The proximity was sufficient to trigger onboard emergency systems and temporarily disable the RAF aircraft’s autopilot.
The Su-27 reportedly conducted six separate passes in front of the Rivet Joint, maneuvers the UK characterized as reckless and unsafe. Defence Secretary John Healy accused Russian pilots of dangerous and unacceptable behavior, emphasizing that the RAF aircraft remained in international airspace throughout the encounter and was not armed.
The reconnaissance mission was completed safely despite the close encounters. British officials have linked the incident to heightened Russian military activity in the region, underscoring persistent tension between Moscow and NATO forces operating around the Black Sea.