A Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was intercepted by two Russian Su-30 fighter jets over the Black Sea in what the Ministry of Defence described as a “serious incident”. The encounter took place on Thursday in international airspace, with the Russian aircraft conducting what the RAF characterised as “unsafe and unprofessional” manoeuvres, including high-speed passes within feet of the British aircraft. The incident lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which the Russian jets flew close enough to generate wake turbulence, shaking the Rivet Joint’s airframe and endangering its crew.
British defence sources described the interception as one of the most aggressive in recent memory, noting that the Russians failed to observe standard safety protocols, including maintaining a safe separation distance and using established communication frequencies. The Ministry of Defence has formally protested the incident, summoning the Russian ambassador to convey London’s “grave concern”. The RC-135, based at RAF Waddington, is a dedicated signals intelligence platform routinely deployed over international waters to monitor electronic emissions and communications in the region.
Its mission is part of NATO’s broader intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance posture, which has been heightened since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian state media quoted the Ministry of Defence in Moscow as stating that the Su-30s were scrambled to “prevent a violation of the state border” and that the British aircraft had turned away after the intercept. British and NATO officials reject that account, emphasising that the RC-135 remained in international airspace throughout.
The incident underscores the persistent risk of direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO, as both sides continue to patrol the highly contested Black Sea region. British forces have maintained a presence there to support Ukraine and monitor Russian military activity, including the movement of naval vessels and aircraft. Similar intercepts have occurred in the past, but Thursday’s was notable for its duration and the proximity of the Russian jets.
Defence analysts note that such actions are a method for Moscow to probe the response times and rules of engagement of NATO air forces. The UK has already announced an increase in air patrols over the Black Sea and is coordinating with allied partners to ensure the safety of its crews. The incident comes as diplomatic tensions remain high over the war in Ukraine, with the UK providing intelligence backing and materiel support to Kyiv.
It also follows a pattern of aggressive Russian intercepts of allied aircraft, including those of the United States and France, in the same region. British officials insist that such actions will not deter the RAF from conducting lawful surveillance missions. The government is expected to issue a formal statement to the House of Commons next week, outlining the details of the intercept and the steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.
