Russian Fighter Jet Intercepts U.S. Navy Plane Over Black Sea, Says Navy

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A Russian Su-27 intercepted a U.S. EP-3 Aries reconnaissance plane in international airspace over the Black Sea, the U.S. Navy said, describing the Russian plane’s maneuver as dangerous.

The jet passed by at a high speed right in front of the EP-3 and chased it when the U.S. plane attempted to turn away, the U.S. Navy said via USNI on Nov. 5.

“A U.S. EP-3 Aries aircraft flying in international airspace over the Black Sea was intercepted by a Russian SU-27. This interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the SU-27 conducting a high-speed pass directly in front of the mission aircraft, which put our pilots and crew at risk,” the Navy said in a release.

A U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 flies over the Persian Gulf in April 2016. (US Navy)

“The intercepting SU-27 made an additional pass, closing with the EP-3 and applying its afterburner while conducting a banking turn away. The crew of the EP-3 reported turbulence following the first interaction, and vibrations from the second. The duration of the intercept was approximately 25 minutes,” it continued.

The Navy said that although the Russian jet was in the clear to “exercise within international airspace,” the maneuver was “irresponsible.”

A pilot gets in a Russian Su-27 fighter jet prior to a rehearsal of an aerobatics show. (LIU JIN/AFP/Getty Images)

“We expect them to behave within international standards set to ensure safety and to prevent incidents, including the 1972 Agreement for the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas (INCSEA). Unsafe actions‎ increase the risk of miscalculation and potential for midair collisions,” the Navy said.

Russian officials have not yet issued a statement on the interception.

The Russian Su-27 is a fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It’s regarded as a direct challenger to the U.S. F-14 and F-15.