A Royal Air Force (RAF) RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was subjected to interceptions considered dangerous by Russian fighter jets over the Black Sea in April 2026.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the episodes involved Su-35 and Su-27 aircraft, which repeatedly approached the British aircraft while it was carrying out a routine mission in international airspace.
The British government described the case as the most serious incident involving a Rivet Joint since 2022.
According to British authorities, a Su-35 fighter jet came so close to the aircraft that it automatically triggered the RC-135W’s emergency systems, including the disengagement of the autopilot. At another point, a Su-27 made six passes in front of the British aircraft, coming within about six metres of its nose.
Despite the manoeuvres considered aggressive and the high risk of a mid-air collision, the RAF crew was able to complete the mission without alterations.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey publicly condemned Russia’s actions, saying the pilots’ behaviour was “dangerous and unacceptable”.
According to him, the interceptions increased the risk of accidents and a possible military escalation in the region.
The British government also summoned representatives of the Russian Embassy to present a formal diplomatic protest over the incident.
Operated by No. 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington, the RC-135W Rivet Joint is one of NATO’s main electronic intelligence platforms, used to monitor radar emissions, communications and military signals.
The presence of these aircraft over the Black Sea has become more frequent since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, amid rising tensions between Russia and countries of the Western military alliance.
The UK Ministry of Defence also highlighted that the episode recalls the 2022 incident, when a Russian aircraft launched a missile near another British Rivet Joint in the same region.
A @RoyalAirForce Rivet Joint aircraft operating in international airspace over the Black Sea was dangerously intercepted by Russian military jets – flying as close as six metres and triggering onboard emergency systems.
Despite these reckless manoeuvres, RAF crew completed their… pic.twitter.com/QyUP7dE4OJ — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 20, 2026
+ Video: Su-57D makes first flight and reveals a new phase of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @DefenceHQ | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
