Two alarming mid-air incidents involving Russian fighter jets and an unarmed Royal Air Force (RAF) Rivet Joint spy plane over the Black Sea have been described as “dangerous and unacceptable” by Defence Secretary John Healey. These events, occurring in mid-April, highlighted escalating tensions and raised serious concerns about potential collisions and diplomatic crises between the two nations.

In the first incident, a Russian Su-27 jet flew perilously close to the British surveillance aircraft, conducting six passes directly in front of its nose. The proximity, within six metres, of the Su-27 to the RAF Rivet Joint, flying at 500mph, presented a significant risk of a catastrophic mid-air collision.

A second incident, also taking place in mid-April during a surveillance mission over international airspace, saw a Russian Su-35 jet approach the British spy plane so closely that it activated the Rivet Joint’s emergency systems, including disabling its autopilot. Such actions by Russian pilots, particularly against an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace, are deemed highly irresponsible and threatening.

The RAF Rivet Joint is a sophisticated spy plane, typically manned by a crew of up to 30 specialists. It is equipped for a wide range of electronic surveillance activities, with a capability to monitor activity at ranges of approximately 150 miles. At the time of these incidents, the aircraft would have been conducting monitoring operations of Russian activity as part of a routine NATO patrol.

Defence Secretary John Healey issued a strong condemnation of Russia's actions, stating, “This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace.” He further warned that “These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.” The Ministry of Defence confirmed that these were the most dangerous Russian actions against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a similar incident in 2022 when a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea.

These specific incidents are set against a broader backdrop of increased Russian military activity across Europe. Recent events include Lithuanian leaders rushing to bunkers and air traffic at Vilnius airport being temporarily suspended after a drone violated the country’s airspace. Furthermore, Russia’s ambassador to the UN controversially claimed Moscow had intelligence that Ukraine planned to launch military drones from Latvia and other Baltic states, a claim swiftly dismissed by Latvia as “pure fiction.”

Beyond air incidents, Russia's naval presence has also been notable. The Royal Navy conducted a month-long surveillance patrol last month after two Russian frigates escorted oil tankers and a suspected arms shipment through the North Sea and Dover Strait. Additionally, Healey revealed that the UK had tracked three Russian submarines that had loitered over critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before departing.

Despite the grave nature of these encounters, Healey praised the "outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions." He unequivocally stated, “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.”