A Russian Su-30 fighter jet was scrambled on Saturday to intercept a US MQ-9A Reaper drone as it approached Russian waters in the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry's National Defense Control Center (NDCC) said.
"In order to identify the air target and prevent the violation of the state border of the Russian Federation, a Su-30 fighter jet of the air defense forces was taken into the air. The crew of the Russian fighter identified the aerial target as a reconnaissance UAV MQ-9A Reaper of the US Air Force," the NDCC said in a statement.
It was noted that the flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules on the use of airspace, in compliance with safety measures.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a reconnaissance and attack drone with a wingspan of 20 meters (66 feet), a maximum weight of 4.7 tonnes and an endurance of 27 hours.
At the end of July, following the results of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, it was reported that the alliance would strengthen intelligence in the Black Sea region amid the termination of the grain deal.
Tensions between Moscow and Washington are rising, as this is not the only incident involving US reconnaissance drones.
On March 14, over the Black Sea in the area of the Crimean Peninsula, the Russian airspace control spotted an American MQ-9 Reaper approaching to the state borders. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, due to a sharp maneuver the foreign UAV went into an uncontrolled flight, lost altitude and fell into the water. It was emphasized that the Russian fighters did not come into contact with the drone, did not use airborne weapons, and returned safely to their airbase.