Russian jet fighters dangerously intercept RAF plane over Black Sea
Two Russian jets intercepted a UK RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea during a routine mission. The incident, which occurred in international airspace, involved one jet flying dangerously close enough to trigger emergency systems on the RAF aircraft. UK Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the actions of the Russian pilots and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to NATO and its allies.
- ▪The RAF Rivet Joint was conducting a routine flight when it was intercepted by two Russian jets.
- ▪One of the Russian jets flew close enough to disable the Rivet Joint's autopilot.
- ▪Defence Secretary John Healey described the incident as dangerous and unacceptable behavior by Russian pilots.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
UK Rivet Joint aircraft repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by Russian jets over Black SeaBy Fergus GreggTopic:Defence and National SecurityThu 21 May 2026 at 8:51amThu 21 May 2026 at 8:51amThu 21 May 2026 at 8:51amA Russian Su-27, dangerously intercepted an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft (not pictured) according to the UK Ministry of Defence. (Supplied: UK Ministry of Defence)In short: Two Russian jets intercepted a UK reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea while it was conducting a routine mission. The RAF Rivet Joint plane was in international airspace when the jets flew close enough to trigger emergency systems.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).