Russian jet interception of RAF spy plane ‘serious incident’

Two Russian warplanes “dangerously” intercepted an unarmed Royal Air Force spy plane over the Black Sea last month, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached the reconnaissance aircraft close enough to trigger its emergency systems, while a Su-27 jet made six flybys in front of it.

The UK Ministry of Defense said Rivet United has been conducting routine international flights to help secure NATO’s eastern flank.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner called the incident “very serious” and noted the risk of escalating tensions between Russia and Nato.