BREAKING: Russian Fighter Collides With U.S. Reaper Drone Over Black Sea

Breaking reports have revealed that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet collided with a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone operating over the Black Sea off the coast of Ukraine Tuesday citing the Department of Defense.

Two SU-27 fighters intercepted the drone in international airspace above international waters according to Fox News. The Reaper, a propeller-driven unmanned aerial vehicle, took critical damage to its propeller when one of the SU-27s collided with it.

The drone was deliberately downed by operators into the Black Sea west of the Crimean peninsula the outlet reported. Fox News added that the Su-27s were flying toward Crimea where they later landed. What damage if any the Russian jet sustained is unknown.

WAR: A Russian Su-27 jet collided with a U.S. Reaper drone over the Black Sea in international airspace over international waters. h/t @alx pic.twitter.com/yggi0jg3ox

— @amuse (@amuse) March 14, 2023

Reuters reports that the incident occurred at 7:03 a.m. EST (0603 GMT). The outlet wrote that the Russian fighter jets reportedly dumped fuel onto the Reaper and flew in front of the craft in unsafe maneuvers according to the military.

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U.S. Air Force General James Hecker, who oversees the U.S. Air Force in the region, said in a statement,

“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9. In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash.”

“U.S. and Allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace and we call on the Russians to conduct themselves professionally and safely,” Hecker added.

The statement added, “This incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots while interacting with U.S. and Allied aircraft over international airspace, including over the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by Russian aircrew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.”

Zerohedge reported that National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told the media that the US drone didn’t pose a threat to anyone and was operating in international airspace. He further added that it was brought down in international waters. Likely, a recovery operation is already underway.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

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