Russian Jets Buzz UK Spy Plane Within 6 Meters Over Black Sea

11 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 20

A Russian Su-27 flew within 6 meters of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint in April, making six passes over the Black Sea in what Britain called its most dangerous such incident since 2022.
A Russian Su-35 also repeatedly closed on the surveillance aircraft closely enough to trigger emergency systems, while the plane was conducting a routine NATO mission in international airspace.
UK defence and foreign ministry officials formally complained to the Russian embassy this week, with Defence Minister John Healey warning the intercepts created a serious risk of accident and escalation.
The episode follows other recent UK accusations of aggressive Russian activity, including a monthlong covert submarine operation near Atlantic undersea cables, as London says Russia remains an immediate and pressing threat.

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