The US military says a pair of Russian fighter jets knocked out an MQ-9 drone in international waters with “reckless” maneuvers.
US-EU COMMAND
Two Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted an unsafe and unprofessional intercept with a U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace over the Black Sea today.
At approximately 7:03 AM (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional.
“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa. “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”
“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker added.
This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.
RT reports that the Kremlin has not commented yet. The Russian outlet continued suggesting the spy drone was getting too close to Russia’s borders.
“The US has admitted to providing Ukraine with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information in the conflict against Russia while insisting it is not a party to the hostilities. US and NATO spy aircraft routinely fly over the Black Sea and approach Crimea, sometimes just before Ukrainian forces launch attacks on the Russian peninsula.
Last week, a US strategic bomber flew a practice run for a missile attack on St. Petersburg while staying in international and NATO airspace.
“The Pentagon routinely uses the phrase “unsafe and unprofessional” to describe incidents when interceptors chase off US drones, spy planes or fighter jets that come too close to the Russian border.”
I hope the woke and incompetent US-EU command has grief counselors.
The Black Sea is the place in which the world war would begin. US interference in that area is a dangerous and irresponsible provocation. Crimea is not negotiable. Our USA needs to be taught some big lessons to not instigate wars. Conservatives are hoping the USA continues to disgrace itself.
RFK as an anti-war candidate would immediately exceed Biden in polls.
“Conservatives are hoping the USA continues to disgrace itself.”
?????
What/Which conservatives?
uh?
The US is talking about escalation after Nord Stream 2? That’s pretty audacious.
So let me get this straight. Two Fighter Pilots in MANNED Aircraft played Chicken with an Unmanned Drone. Ya! Right!
How do we know its true.
*”routine operations”* that close to United States would be considered spying. The U.S. is spying on the situation there! With cameras today being in international waters is merely cover peeking as close as you can!
Russia is smarter than U.S, it takes a week or more for U.S. to figure out a balloon from China is spying! (sarc)
Sarcasm appreciated
Surveillance in the Black Sea may be preparation for Ukraine to try to take Crimes, in other words, it is pre-WW3 surveillance. That drone was a scout.
Where’s the shot down part, just making up headlines are we?
What part are you imagining is made up?
The problem is the US-EU command story is vague, but you missed that.
What does this fine site have to do with your misinterpretation?
Yep… Obviously
If the Russians managed to shoot it down, it wasn’t reckless. It was good shooting.
try reading the article, One of their planes actually ran into the drone’s prop.
That is the US-EU command story. Try knowing they have been lying an entire year on this war.
The next drone needs to be carrying Sidewinders.
Sure, let’s start WWIII.
more fear porn. it’s a stupid drone for crying out loud. America shoots their balloon they shoot our drone. A bunch of toddlers.
Another moron. NO, we shot a CHINESE balloon, RUSSIA did not shoot our drone, their plane COLLIDED with it. Doesn’t anyone read before yapping anymore? Sheesh.
You are another gullible person. When our corrupt US government says something, it is fact to you. Why didn’t you learn sentence structure? Since you have a sentence structure problem, and also a misinterpretation problem, they are related,
We may need to block on this site soon.
America destroys a multi billion dollar gas pipeline I’d say they have a few more drones left to go.
Where is the proof for your accusation?
This story is not about drone supplies. If you were really concerned, you would worry about our USA using up its resources for no benefit.
Rather odd that flight data is being scrubbed. “No flights in the past 14 days”.
Rybar’s report on the matter.
https://t.me/rybar/44625
Some Telegram posts have reported that Russia has recovered the aircraft.
Currently there is another surveillance drone circling on the Romanian border with the Black Sea. Previous missions had drones getting extremely close to the Russian border east of Crimea. Also the drone activity has been getting closer to the Crimean Coast. This one was very close to Sevastopol, which is the location of the Russian Naval base.
It’s no surprise the Pentagon refused to answer whether the Reaper was the armed variety. That would have been the conclusive proof of US being directly involved in the conflict.
Would the US be OK with Russians operating drones in international waters around the United States? I think not.
Chinese, yeah, probably, with this administration, Russian, not likely, unless they start giving 10 percent to you know who.
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