The Su-30SM fighter climbed to intercept an American reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea. This was announced by the National Defense Control Center of Russia.
It is noted that on August 21, Russian airspace control devices over the neutral waters of the Black Sea detected an air target approaching the Russian state border.
“To identify the air target and prevent violation of the state border of Russia, a Su-30SM fighter was taken into the air from the air defense forces of the Southern Military District,” the statement said.
It is indicated that the crew of the Russian fighter approached a safe distance to the aerial object and identified it as the US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft.
“After the foreign military aircraft turned away from the border, the Russian fighter safely returned to the home airfield. The entire flight of the Russian Su-30SM fighter jet took place strictly in accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, ” the message says.
Violations of the state border of Russia by an American plane were not allowed, the department added.