US Navy accuses Russian pilots of ‘unsafe and unprofessional’ intercept over Mediterranean Sea

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The U.S. Navy accused Russian pilots of flying in an “unsafe and unprofessional” manner near a P-8A reconnaissance plane over the Mediterranean Sea, according to a statement released Tuesday.

“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,” the statement said.

The Navy released multiple photos and video showing the Russian plane coming close to the wings of the P-8 on Tuesday, which restricted its ability to safely maneuver as it flew over international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the service said.

The incident lasted for roughly 65 minutes and was unprovoked, according to the statement.

A military version of the Boeing 737, the P-8A Poseidon’s portfolio includes airborne and underwater surveillance. Its array of sensors are used to spot submarines, ships, and other aircraft.

The Navy pilots behind the P-8 fleet seem to regularly get an airborne privyet from their Russian counterparts. As the Navy statement points out, this latest incident follows two others in April. And in Jan. 2018, a Russian Su-27 flew within five feet of the spy plane, according to CNN, which also reported that an Su-30 months prior had performed a barrel roll near a P-8, forcing the aircraft to experience “violent turbulence.”

The Navy has posted a video of the incident on YouTube.

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Paul Szoldra

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Paul Szoldra was the Editor in Chief of Task & Purpose from October 2018 until August 2022. Since joining T&P, he has led a talented team of writers, editors, and creators who produce military journalism reaching millions of readers each month. He also founded and edits Duffel Blog, a popular satirical newsletter for the military. Before becoming a journalist in 2013, he served as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan, Korea, and other areas of the Pacific. His eyes still go up every time a helicopter from Camp Pendleton flies over his office in Southern California.