A Russian Su-27 fighter jet flew within six metres of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint spy plane travelling at 500mph over the Black Sea last month, in what the UK defence secretary has described as a “dangerous and unacceptable” incident.
John Healey revealed on Wednesday that the Su-27 conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft, risking a collision that could have sparked a diplomatic crisis. In a separate episode, also in mid-April, a Russian Su-35 flew so close to the same Rivet Joint that it triggered emergency systems and disabled the autopilot.
The Rivet Joint, which carries a crew of up to 30, was conducting a surveillance mission over international airspace as part of a Nato patrol. The Ministry of Defence said it was the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint since a missile was fired over the Black Sea in 2022.
“This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace,” Healey said. “These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.” He praised the “outstanding professionalism and bravery” of the RAF crew who continued their mission.
The incidents come amid heightened Russian military activity in Europe. Last month, two Russian frigates escorted oil tankers and a suspected arms shipment through the North Sea and Dover Strait, while the UK tracked three Russian submarines loitering near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
