(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Russia scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to intercept a British Royal Air Force (RAF) RC-135 “Rivet Joint” electronic reconnaissance aircraft, which was accompanied by two Eurofighter Typhoon jets, in the airspace over the Black Sea.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Su-27 fighter jet was deployed to ensure that the RAF’s reconnaissance aircraft and fighter jets did not violate Russian airspace.
“As soon as the Su-27 fighter jet approached the RC-135 electronic reconnaissance aircraft and the Eurofighter Typhoon jets, the RAF combat aircraft began to leave the area,” stated the Russian Ministry of Defense.
There was no breach of Russian airspace, and the Su-27 fighter jet safely returned to its base.
The Russian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the actions of the Russian fighter jet were in accordance with international airspace regulations and maintained a safe distance from the British combat aircraft.
The RC-135 electronic reconnaissance aircraft, also known as “Rivet Joint,” operated by the RAF, plays a critical role in intelligence gathering missions over the Black Sea, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Equipped with advanced sensors and electronic surveillance equipment, the RC-135 can intercept communications, radar signals, and various electronic emissions from military assets in the region.
This capability provides Britain and its allies with valuable information on Russian military movements and activities, offering insights into Russian operational strategies.
By flying over the Black Sea, the RC-135 can collect real-time intelligence on Russian naval and air force operations.
Such intelligence is crucial for understanding the deployment and readiness of Russian military forces, including assets like the Yasen-M nuclear submarines.
The data gathered can be used to predict Russian military actions, evaluate the effectiveness of their tactics, and develop countermeasures to address threats posed by these submarines and other military assets.
Recently, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported an “increase in frequency” of American and NATO reconnaissance aircraft and drone flights over the Black Sea.
It claimed that these reconnaissance missions were being conducted to gather intelligence and target Russian facilities with modern weapons supplied by Washington to Ukraine.
“This indicates an increased involvement of the United States and NATO member countries in the Ukraine conflict, siding with the Kiev regime,” stated the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The increase in American and NATO drone and reconnaissance flights over the Black Sea coincides with Ukraine’s large-scale MGM-140 ATACMS missile attacks on several Russian military positions in Crimea.
In response, the Russian Defense Minister has instructed officials to prepare “countermeasures” against these flights.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov’s warning sends a clear message that Moscow is ready to take tougher actions against American and NATO reconnaissance aircraft and drones, further heightening the possibility of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, led by Washington.
Last year, British television network BBC reported an incident where a Russian Su-27 fighter jet allegedly attempted to shoot down a British reconnaissance aircraft during an intelligence mission over international airspace in the Black Sea on September 29, 2022.
The Russian fighter jet reportedly launched two air-to-air missiles at the British RC-135 Rivet Joint after mistakenly believing it had been granted “permission” by its base to shoot down the reconnaissance aircraft.
“The Russian pilot fired two air-to-air missiles at the British reconnaissance aircraft, but the first missile missed the target, and the second malfunctioned,” reported the BBC.
When asked to comment on the incident last year, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the launch of air-to-air missiles by one of its fighter jets at the British reconnaissance aircraft was due to a “technical error.” — DSA