(Brussels) A Russian Su-27 fighter jet struck a US Reaper drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday, the US military said.
“Our MQ-9 drone was performing routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and rammed by a Russian aircraft, resulting in the crash and loss of the MQ-9,” said General James Hecker, Commanding Officer US air forces in Europe and Africa.
“It was a dangerous and unprofessional act on the part of the Russians which almost caused the crash of the two planes”, he added, referring to this incident in this area which has been closely monitored by NATO since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
The US statement confirms information published earlier by AFP on an incident involving a US-made drone in the Black Sea.
“U.S. and allied drones will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to behave professionally,” he added.
According to a NATO official, US General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur), briefed the Allies.
According to a Western military source speaking on condition of anonymity, diplomatic channels between Washington and Moscow will be activated to avoid any escalation.
The skies of the Black Sea are the scene of very regular interactions between drones and aircraft from NATO countries and the Russian armed forces.
The Reaper drone, manufactured by the American company General Atomics, is a remotely piloted aircraft of the MALE (medium altitude long endurance) type, equipped with state-of-the-art on-board sensors (optronic ball and radar) to carry out surveillance operations at cruising speed. 335 km/h.
With a wingspan of 20 meters, it has an endurance of more than 24 hours of flight.
