JABAR EKSPRES – The Russia Defense Ministry said Saturday that it deployed Su-30 fighter jets after detecting an MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the United States approaching the Black Sea.
To identify the target and prevent violations of the country’s borders, the Russian Air Force launched Su-30 fighter jets for air defense tasks.
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“The combat crew of the Russian aircraft identified the airborne target as the US Air Force’s MQ-9A Reaper reconnaissance UAV,” he said.
After the approach of the Russian aircraft, the UAV reportedly retreated from the border.
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“Russian fighter jets returned to base safely, not allowing any violations of the state border of the Russian Federation. The flight of the Russian aircraft was carried out in accordance with international rules governing the use of neutral waters in airspace,” he continued.
On March 14, the US European Command (EUCOM) announced that two Russian Su-27 aircraft interfered with a US MQ-9 UAV over the Black Sea, and the MQ-9 crashed into international waters.
The Russian Defense Ministry earlier said the US MQ-9 UAV violated a temporary restricted area notified to all airspace users due to Ukraine’s “special military operation,” which complies with international standards.
