Russian Su-27 intercepts French KC-135 and Mirage 2000 over Black Sea – VIDEO

Defence Redefined

Published on 18/02/2021 at 09:52

On February 17, two Su-27 fighters of the Russian Air Force and the Southern Military District were deployed to monitor targets approaching Russian airspace over the Black Sea. 

The Russian Su-27 intercepted French aerial refuelling aircraft, a KC-135 and two Mirage 2000 fighters of the French Air Force.

The two Russian fighter jets “identified the air targets as a group of French Air Force planes that consisted of a KC-135 aerial refuelling tanker and two Mirage 2000 tactical aircraft and shadowed them over the Black Sea,” the NDCC said.

Also read: Eight Russian fighters intercept three US B-52 bombers over Black Sea – Photos

After the French planes withdrew from Russian airspace, the Russian fighters returned to base. Their flight was “in strict compliance with international rules of using the airspace,” the NDCC added.

According to Russia’s RT network, Wednesday’s interception comes amid increased activity by NATO aircraft and ships in the Black Sea, at the invitation of Ukraine. Last week, Kiev proposed to the US-led alliance to increase air operations in “airspace over the sovereign territory of Ukraine and over open waters.”

Also read: Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercept US RC-135 and P-8A Poseidon aircraft in the Black Sea | VIDEO

In 2020 alone, the Russian Ministry of Defence detected about 2,900 fighter jets and 1,100 spy planes approaching Russian airspace.

Air and sea incursions were not limited to Europe. In November, the USS John S. McCain crossed the Russian maritime border near the city of Vladivostok and was intercepted by the Russian Navy destroyer Admiral Vinogradov.

Also read: Russian Su-24 performs low pass near USS Donald Cook – VIDEO