The Russian air force intercepted a Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea on Tuesday in what the Ministry of Defence described as a “serious incident”. Two Russian Su-27 fighter jets closed in on the RAF Rivet Joint, an intelligence-gathering aircraft, forcing it to alter its course, according to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry. The incident took place in international airspace but had the potential to escalate into a direct confrontation between NATO and Russian forces.
The RAF pilot reportedly detected the Russian aircraft on his radar and manoeuvred to avoid a collision. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the aircraft was conducting a routine reconnaissance mission over international waters when it was intercepted. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that the RAF plane had approached Russian airspace in violation of international rules, a charge that Britain has denied.
The incident highlights the heightened tensions over the Black Sea, which has become a flashpoint since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO has increased its surveillance flights in the region to monitor Russian military activity, particularly near the Ukrainian port of Odesa. This is not the first such interception; similar incidents have occurred in recent months as both sides jockey for strategic advantage.
The British government is expected to lodge a formal protest with Moscow. “Our aircraft were acting lawfully and did not enter Russian airspace,” a defence spokesman said. “Such aggressive behaviour by Russian pilots is dangerous and could lead to miscalculation.
We urge Russia to adhere to international norms.” The incident comes ahead of a scheduled dialogue between NATO and Russian officials on reducing military risks. Diplomatic channels remain open, but trust is at a low ebb.
