Third Unsafe Intercept by Russia in U.S. Sixth Fleet in Two Months
Two Russian Su-35 fighters intercepted a US Navy P-8A Poseidon over the Mediterranean Sea on May 26, 2020. The intercept was deemed ‘unsafe’ and 'unprofessional' as the Russian pilots closed in on the P-8A. The incident lasted 64 minutes. (USN photo)
On May 26, 2020, a U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft was flying in the Eastern Mediterranean over international waters and was intercepted by two Russian Su-35 aircraft over a period of 65 minutes. The intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional due to the Russian pilots taking close station on each wing of the P-8A simultaneously, restricting the P-8A’s ability to safely maneuver.
NEW: The Navy is accusing two Russian Su-35s of conducting "an unsafe and unprofessional" intercept of a U.S. P-8 over the eastern Mediterranean. It's the third instance in two months pic.twitter.com/6iFvuRU28E
— Dave Brown (@dave_brown24) May 26, 2020
The unnecessary actions of the Russian Su-35 pilots were inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules, and jeopardized the safety of flight of both aircraft.
While the Russian aircraft was operating in international airspace, this interaction was irresponsible. We expect them to operate 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). Actions like these increase the potential for midair collisions.
This incident follows two unsafe interactions in April, over the same waters.
In all cases, the U.S. aircraft were operating in international airspace, consistent with international law, with due regard for safety of flight, and did not provoke this Russian activity.
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