The RAF jet was carrying out a routine flight and was unarmed.
A Royal Air Force aircraft was “repeatedly and dangerously” intercepted by Russian fighter jets during a mission over the Black Sea last month, according to British defense officials and multiple media reports.
The incident reportedly involved a British RAF surveillance aircraft operating in international airspace when Russian military jets approached at close range in what officials described as unsafe maneuvers.
UK defense sources say the Russian aircraft flew aggressively near the RAF plane several times, raising serious concerns about aviation safety and the risk of escalation between United Kingdom and Russia forces operating around the Black Sea region.
Rising NATO-Russia Tensions
The interception comes amid increasing military activity near NATO borders following the ongoing war in Ukraine. Western military aircraft frequently conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Black Sea area, while Russia has repeatedly accused NATO of provoking tensions near its territory.
British officials stressed that the RAF aircraft remained in international airspace throughout the encounter.
Security analysts warn that repeated close-range interceptions increase the risk of:
- Midair collisions
- Military miscalculations
- Wider NATO-Russia confrontation
Similar Incidents Increasing
The Black Sea has become one of the most tense military zones in Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO countries, including the UK and the US, have reported multiple unsafe interceptions by Russian aircraft in recent years.
Defense experts say these incidents are often used as shows of force and strategic messaging between Moscow and NATO allies.