Defence Secretary condemns ‘unacceptable’ Russian jet manoeuvres over Black Sea
John Healey warns of escalation risks as MoD confirms Su-27 flew within six metres of unarmed RAF Rivet Joint during NATO patrol
Defence Secretary John Healey has condemned a recent incident in which a Russian Su-27 fighter jet flew within six metres of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint surveillance plane over the Black Sea. The Ministry of Defence described the manoeuvres as dangerous and unacceptable, noting they created a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.
The Su-27 conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft, which was travelling at 500mph. The Rivet Joint, capable of wide-range electronic surveillance at distances of approximately 150 miles, was operating with a crew of up to 30 as part of a NATO patrol. The MoD stated this represents the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint since a Russian plane fired a missile at a similar aircraft in 2022.
A separate incident occurred last month involving a Russian Su-35 jet, which flew close enough to the British plane to trigger its emergency systems. This proximity disabled the autopilot while the aircraft was conducting a surveillance mission over international airspace. Healey described both events as examples of dangerous behaviour by Russian pilots towards an unarmed aircraft.
Healey paid tribute to the professionalism of the RAF crew, who continued their mission despite the threats. He emphasised that the incident would not deter the UK’s commitment to defending NATO, its allies, and its interests from Russian aggression.
This event occurs amidst a broader increase in Russian military activity across Europe. Lithuanian politicians sheltered underground recently after a drone violated the country’s airspace, suspending air traffic at Vilnius airport. Additionally, Russia’s ambassador to the UN claimed Ukraine planned to launch drones from Baltic states, a claim Latvia dismissed as pure fiction.
Naval tensions have also escalated, with two Russian frigates escorting oil tankers and a suspected arms shipment through the North Sea and Dover Strait last month. This required a month-long surveillance patrol by the Royal Navy. Healey also revealed that the UK had tracked three Russian submarines loitering over critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before they departed.