An unarmed Royal Air Force (RAF) reconnaissance plane was subjected to a series of "dangerous and unacceptable" intercepts by Russian fighter jets in international airspace over the Black Sea, UK's Ministry of Defence said.
In one encounter, a Russian Su-35 flew so close to the British RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft that it triggered the plane's automatic emergency systems, forcing its autopilot to disable.
During another intercept, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet conducted six high-speed passes directly in front of the British aircraft, buzzing as close as six metres from the Rivet Joint's nose.
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The UK Department of Defence confirmed the incident occurred last month while the British surveillance aircraft was conducting a routine, unarmed flight over international waters. The flight was part of ongoing allied operations to secure NATO's Eastern Flank.
Despite the provocation, UK defence officials praised the RAF crew, who reportedly "remained calm and professional throughout" and successfully completed their planned mission.
The incident marked the most perilous encounter between Russian and British forces since 2022, when a Russian fighter jet accidentally discharged a missile near a UK Rivet Joint over the Black Sea, the Ministry of Defence said.
Diplomatic showdown
The mid-air incidents have triggered a swift diplomatic response. Representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officially démarched the Russian Embassy in London this week, formally condemning the pilots' reckless behaviour.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP fiercely condemned the Kremlin's actions, warning that Russia's aerial brinkmanship could lead to catastrophic consequences.
"This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace," Mr Healey said. "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."
Healey paid tribute to the "outstanding professionalism and bravery" of the RAF crew.
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