U.S. Reconnaissance Aircraft Detected Over Black Sea, Russian Fighter Scrambled

To detect the air target and prevent violations of the Russian state border, a "Su-27" fighter from the Southern Military District's air defense forces was scrambled. The crew of the Russian fighter identified the air target as a U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance RC-135 aircraft and escorted it, according to reports from "RIA Novosti," citing the National Defense Control Center.

The report indicated that after the American military aircraft changed its course and turned away from the Russian border, the "Su-27" returned to base. The center emphasized that the fighter's flight complied with international rules for the use of airspace. The relevant authorities concluded that there was no violation of the Russian Federation's state border.