An RAF aircraft was repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by two Russian jets last month over the Black Sea, according to the Ministry of Defence. One Russian Su-35 aircraft flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling the autopilot system. In another dangerous intercept, a Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft, flying as close as six metres of the Rivet Joint’s nose.
Unarmed Aircraft in International Airspace
The Rivet Joint aircraft was carrying out a routine flight in international airspace over the Black Sea and was unarmed. It was working as part of the UK’s efforts alongside allies to secure NATO’s Eastern Flank. Despite the dangerous Russian actions, the RAF crew remained calm and professional throughout and completed their planned flight, the Ministry of Defence said.
Diplomatic Response
This week, representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office démarched the Russian Embassy to condemn the pilots’ dangerous and unacceptable behaviour. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: ‘This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace. These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation. Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend NATO, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.’
Most Dangerous Incident Since 2022
This incident was the most dangerous Russian action against a UK Rivet Joint since 2022, when a Russian plane fired a missile over the Black Sea. The RAF Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft that uses advanced sensors for electronic surveillance, enhancing situational awareness and helping keep NATO territory safe. This latest incident comes amid continued Russian aggression and heightened military activity in Eastern Europe and the High North.
Recent Russian Naval Activity
Earlier this month, the Royal Navy announced it had been monitoring a Russian warship off the UK coast for an entire month. The frigate Admiral Grigorovich was watched by patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn as it sailed to the west of the UK and through the North Sea in April. The Russian ship also sailed close to the Galloper wind farm off the Suffolk coast and stopped to take on fuel and supplies near ‘key national infrastructure’ 30km off the coast nearby. Patrol ships, tankers and Wildcat helicopters from the Royal Navy have been tracking the movements of the Admiral Grigorovich.
