• Two Russian jets intercepted a British RAF spy plane over the Black Sea.
• The incident was deemed the most dangerous encounter since 2022.
• Defense Secretary John Healey condemned the actions as dangerous and unacceptable.

Last month, two Russian jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted a Royal Air Force (RAF) Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The incident was described as the most dangerous encounter involving a UK aircraft since a Russian pilot fired a missile near a British plane in September 2022. The interception occurred while the RAF plane was conducting routine surveillance operations in international airspace, supporting NATO's security in the region, according to BBC and CBS News.

The Russian Su-35 jet approached closely enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, reportedly disabling its autopilot. Meanwhile, a Su-27 jet conducted six passes in front of the unmanned RAF aircraft, coming within six meters (approximately 19 feet) of its nose. Defence Minister John Healey criticized the interceptions, calling them "dangerous and unacceptable behavior by Russian pilots" towards an unarmed aircraft, which "creates a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation," according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

In light of the incident, the UK defense and foreign ministries formally complained to the Russian embassy, reaffirming the UK's commitment to safeguard its NATO allies and interests from Russian aggression. Healey emphasized that this incident would not deter the UK's resolve, especially following reports of increased Russian activity, including submarine operations near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Sea, according to BBC and CBS News.

The MoD noted that the Rivet Joint, operated by No 51 Squadron, utilizes advanced sensors for real-time intelligence and operates typically from a base in Lincolnshire. The recent interceptions reflect a broader pattern of escalating military tensions and Russian assertiveness in the region, highlighting the operational challenges faced by NATO in ensuring air safety in international airspace, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.