The Ministry of Defence has released footage showing Russian jets flying dangerously close to an RAF spy plane last month. In the video, a Russian Su-35 jet flew sufficiently close to the Rivet Joint aircraft to trigger its emergency systems. In another incident, an Su-27 conducted six passes in front of the same aircraft, flying close to its nose and risking a collision.
Details of the Incidents
The footage, released by the MoD, highlights the aggressive manoeuvres performed by Russian pilots. The Su-35's proximity activated the Rivet Joint's collision avoidance systems, indicating a serious breach of safety protocols. The second incident involving the Su-27 involved repeated passes directly ahead of the RAF plane, which could have led to a catastrophic mid-air collision.
International Response
These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft operating in international airspace. NATO officials have condemned the actions, calling for a de-escalation of such dangerous encounters. The UK government has lodged a formal protest with Russian authorities, demanding an explanation and assurances that such behaviour will not be repeated.
The Rivet Joint is a signals intelligence aircraft used by the RAF to gather electronic intelligence. Its missions often involve monitoring communications and radar systems near contested regions. The close encounters with Russian jets underscore the heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, particularly in areas where their military activities overlap.
Experts note that while such intercepts are not uncommon, the proximity and frequency of the passes in these incidents are alarming. The MoD stated that the actions of the Russian pilots were unprofessional and could have resulted in a serious accident. The release of the footage serves as evidence of the risks faced by RAF crews and highlights the need for robust diplomatic channels to prevent future escalations.
