Two Russian warplanes repeatedly and dangerously intercepted an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint spy plane over the Black Sea last month, triggering the aircraft's emergency systems and forcing the UK to describe the episode as its most dangerous encounter with Russian aircraft since 2022.
A Russian Su-35 approached the Rivet Joint and disabled its autopilot, while a Su-27 made six passes in front of the plane and came within six metres of its nose, the Ministry of Defence said. John Healey called the incident another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots toward an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace, and said the actions created a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.
The UK said the RC-135W Rivet Joint was on a routine international flight intended to help secure Nato's eastern flank when the interception took place. The aircraft, operated by No 51 Squadron, typically flies out of a base in Lincolnshire and uses advanced sensors to intercept and analyse signals across the electromagnetic spectrum, feeding real-time strategic and tactical intelligence to commanders.
The episode follows a similar incident in September 2022, when a Russian pilot fired two missiles at an RAF Rivet Joint plane over the Black Sea. The Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office called on the Russian embassy to condemn the latest encounter, which they said came amid increased Russian aggression in the region.
Healey said the incident would not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, allies and interests from Russian aggression. But the latest close approach also shows how quickly routine surveillance flights in international airspace can turn into a confrontation, especially over waters that have become one of the most sensitive front lines between Russia and the West.
