Russian jet causes ‘dangerous’ near miss after flying close to RAF spy plane
A Russian Su-27 jet flew dangerously close to an RAF Rivet Joint spy plane over the Black Sea, prompting concerns of a potential diplomatic crisis. The UK government condemned the incident as 'unacceptable' and highlighted the risks posed by such aggressive maneuvers. This event marks a significant escalation in Russian military activity against British aircraft in international airspace.
- ▪The Su-27 jet came within six meters of the unarmed RAF Rivet Joint, conducting six passes in front of it.
- ▪A second incident involved a Russian Su-35 jet that triggered emergency systems on the British spy plane.
- ▪UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the behavior of Russian pilots as dangerous and unacceptable.
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The Su-27 jet conducted six passes in front of the RAF Rivet Joint spy plane, risking a collision that could create a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Photograph: Mikhail Palinchak/APView image in fullscreenThe Su-27 jet conducted six passes in front of the RAF Rivet Joint spy plane, risking a collision that could create a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Photograph: Mikhail Palinchak/APRoyal Air ForceRussian jet causes ‘dangerous’ near collision after flying close to RAF spy planeUK government calls incident ‘unacceptable’ after Su-27 jet comes within six metres of unarmed spy plane over Black SeaDan Sabbagh defence and security editorWed 20 May 2026 13.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 13.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA Russian jet flew within six…
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