Russian fighter jet intercepts U.S. reconnaissance planes over Black Sea

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled over the Black Sea on Wednesday to intercept two U.S. reconnaissance planes, the Russian Defense Ministry said, reported Xinhua.

"On August 5, Russian airspace control systems detected two air targets approaching the Russian state border over the neutral waters of the Black Sea," the ministry's Zvezda broadcasting service said.

The crew of the Su-27 fighter jet identified the aerial objects as U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135 and U.S. Navy patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon, it added.

"After the U.S. reconnaissance planes turned away from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter returned to the airfield," Zvezda said, adding that no violation of the Russian state border was allowed.

The Russian aircraft proceeded in strict compliance with international airspace rules, it said.