Two Russian Su-27s today intercepted a US Air Force MQ-9 drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) operating in international airspace over the Black Sea.
According to the release of USEUCOM (US European Command), at around 7:03 (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, forcing the MQ-9 to ditch in waters international.
Before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel and flew in front of the MQ-9 recklessly, incorrectly and unprofessionally.
"Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and struck by a Russian aircraft, resulting in the crash and complete loss of the MQ-9", said US Air Force General James B. Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa. "This dangerous and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash."
"US and allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we ask the Russians to conduct themselves in a professional and safe manner"Hecker added.
The press release concludes by highlighting that theThe incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots as they interact with US and allied aircraft in international airspace, including the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculations and an escalation involuntary.
With a war going on for a year, it's really incomprehensible that the Russians don't like those who fight (the reaper is used in this case for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions) from the limits of the "international airspace"?
Photo: US Air Force
