[News] A Russian fighter collides with an American drone over the Black Sea

[Draeno]

 

 

 

A Russian warplane collided with an American drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday. "Our MQ-9 was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and rammed by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and total loss of the MQ-9," the US Air Force reported. According to the White House, US President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident.

"Several times before the collision, the [Russian] Su-27s dropped fuel and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, unprofessional and unecological manner," the US military statement said. "This incident demonstrates a lack of professionalism, as well as being dangerous," as Russia "nearly caused one of the fighter planes and the drone to crash, the US European Command added."

"American and allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves in a professional and prudent manner," said General James B. Hecker, commander of the US Air Force in Europe.

The crash happened around 7.03 in the morning, Spanish time. The State Department intends to maintain contacts with Moscow on this issue.

The statement concludes by noting that "this incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots interacting with US and allied aircraft in international airspace, including over the Black Sea." These "aggressive actions by Russian aircrews are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and inadvertent escalation."

 

https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2023/03/14/6410ab3cfdddff6b128b45dc.html