UK says surveillance plane dangerously intercepted by Russian jets last month
The UK reported that a British surveillance plane was dangerously intercepted by Russian jets over the Black Sea last month. The incident involved a Russian Su-35 and Su-27 aircraft, which flew dangerously close to the unarmed RAF Rivet Joint, triggering emergency systems. This event has raised concerns about escalating tensions between NATO and Russia.
- ▪Two Russian jets intercepted a British Royal Air Force surveillance plane over the Black Sea last month.
- ▪The UK Rivet Joint aircraft was unarmed and conducting routine surveillance in international airspace.
- ▪The incident was described as the most dangerous Russian action against a UK surveillance plane since 2022.
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UK says surveillance plane dangerously intercepted by Russian jets last monthSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 21, 2026, 12:04 AMUpdated May 21, 2026, 12:04 AMLONDON, May 20 - Two Russian jets last month intercepted a British Royal Air Force surveillance plane over the Black Sea, in what Britain's defence ministry said on Wednesday was a dangerous incident that raised the risk of potential escalation between NATO and Russia.• The UK Rivet Joint aircraft was unarmed and carrying out routine surveillance in international airspace over the Black Sea, the ministry said in a statement.• It was repeatedly intercepted by a Russian Su-35 aircraft, which flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the British plane, it said.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.