In international airspace above the Black Sea, a Russian aircraft collided with an American drone. The latter crashed.
Two Su-27 planes attempted to intercept MQ-9 Reaper drone. They poured fuel several times in front of the aircraft in an attempt to cause damage before it collided.
The propeller of the MQ-9 drone was struck by the Russian helicopter, and the US forces had to bring it down.
The US European Command stated that the Russian maneuvers were “reckless”, unprofessional, and environmentally unsound.
It stated that the drone was in a routine flight, which is consistent with international laws designed to strengthen collective European defense and security.
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According to the statement, this is just the latest in a string of Russian piloting that could cause “unintended escalate”
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According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the fighter jets were not in direct contact with the drone. The jets also did not use on-board weapons.
Russia’s Ria News Agency reported on Tuesday that the ministry claimed the drone flew in an “uncontrolled” flight and crashed into the water due to a “sharp maneuver”.
Russian fighters were said to have been in the area to locate the object.
US General James Hecker, Air Force Chief of Staff, described the incident as “unsafe and unprofessional acts by the Russians”, which led to the total loss of an MQ-9.
John Kirby, White House spokesperson, described the incident as “unique” because it resulted in the downing of an American aircraft.
According to Mr Kirby the US will continue to fly over the Black Sea. Kirby said that the Russians do not need to be consulted when they do so, since it is in international waters.
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