As of: 03/14/2023 7:10 p.m
An American reconnaissance drone has crashed over the Black Sea after being rammed by a Russian fighter jet, according to US reports. US President Biden and the NATO countries have been informed of the incident.
According to the US military, a Russian fighter jet collided with a US drone over the Black Sea. The US military said the unmanned reconnaissance drone had to be crashed afterwards.
According to the US, the incident happened in international airspace. Two Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercepted the MQ-9 drone in an “unsafe and unprofessional” manner. A jet touched the drone’s drive propeller. “This resulted in the crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” said US Air Force Gen. James Hecker, who commands the US Air Force in Europe and Asia.
USA warn of escalation
Previously, the Russian pilots had already dumped fuel on the drone and flew in front of them. The Russian jet almost crashed in the collision.
“This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being dangerous and unprofessional,” Hecker said. “US and allied planes will continue to operate in international airspace and we urge the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely.”
The US military warned that aggressive actions by Russian pilots are dangerous and could lead to miscalculations and unintended escalations.
Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, US drones have been constantly deployed over the Black Sea, on the north coast of which Ukraine and Russia border.
Biden and NATO partners informed of incident
National Security Council communications director John Kirby said intercepts of this type are not, in and of themselves, uncommon. However, this case stands out due to the actions of the Russian side, which led to the complete loss of the drone. US President Joe Biden was informed of the incident.
According to Kirby, the US State Department announced that it would contact the Russian government about the incident. NATO members have also been informed of the incident, a military alliance official said.