Russian fighter jet intercepts US reconnaissance plane

A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet intercepted a US P-8A patrol aircraft over the Barents Sea, forcing the aircraft to turn around and stay away from the Russian border.

"The airspace control system over the Barents Sea detected an air target approaching the Russian border on September 18. A MiG-31 heavy fighter from the Northern Fleet's air defense task force was scrambled to identify the target and prevent a violation of the border," the Russian Defense Ministry announced.

The MiG-31 pilot then announced that the target was a US Navy P-8A reconnaissance aircraft. When the Russian fighter approached, the P-8A turned around and flew away from the Russian border. The MiG-31 fighter then returned safely to base.

A US P-8A reconnaissance aircraft seen from a Russian fighter during an encounter over the Black Sea in 2021. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

"There was no violation of the border. The flight of the Russian fighter jet strictly complied with the rules for the use of airspace over international waters, did not cross the flight path or approach foreign aircraft in an unsafe manner," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

US officials have not commented on the information.

Russia and the United States have repeatedly deployed bombers or reconnaissance aircraft close to each other’s airspace. The two sides’ aircraft often encounter each other during these missions, but they usually approach and monitor each other professionally and safely.

Location of the Barents Sea. Graphic: Wikimedia

The Barents Sea is one of the Arctic seas, located north of Russia and bordering many of Moscow's key bases.

The Arctic still holds vast reserves of oil and gas. Climate change is melting ice in the region, opening up opportunities for fossil fuel extraction and opening up new shipping routes between continents around the Arctic. Russia has been bolstering its military presence in the Arctic since it launched its operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

Vu Anh (According to TASS )

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/tiem-kich-nga-chan-trinh-sat-co-my-4654673.html