Russian Jets Intercept British Surveillance Aircraft Over Black Sea

On May 20, 2026, the UK defense ministry reported a serious encounter in which two Russian jets intercepted a British surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea in a “repeatedly and dangerously” aggressive manner. Defense Minister John Healey stated that these actions are unacceptable and create risks of accidents and escalation. This incident reflects ongoing tensions due to the Ukraine conflict and espionage allegations.

The incident involved Russian Su-35 and Su-27 jets, which got uncomfortably close to the Royal Air Force Rivet Joint aircraft. At one point, a Su-27 flew within six meters of the British plane’s nose. A video lasting 12 seconds was provided to substantiate these claims. The British aircraft was engaged in a routine mission to bolster NATO’s Eastern Flank security.

The UK defense ministry noted this as the most severe incident involving a UK Rivet Joint since 2022, when a Russian aircraft fired a missile near an RAF plane. In the latest incident, a Russian Su-35 flew close enough to trigger the Rivet Joint’s emergency systems, disabling its autopilot. Additionally, a Russian Su-27 made six passes in front of the British aircraft.

Despite this confrontation, Minister Healey affirmed the UK’s commitment to defending NATO and allied interests against Russian aggression. This occurred shortly after Healey disclosed that the Royal Navy had tracked Russian submarines near vital sea cables and pipelines around the UK.

The UK’s surveillance mission involved 500 personnel, with aircraft flying more than 450 hours, and a navy frigate covering thousands of nautical miles. Last year’s defense review categorized Russia as an “immediate and pressing” threat. The British government has maintained strong support for Ukraine since the invasion by Moscow in February 2022.

Following the Black Sea incident, UK officials lodged a formal complaint with the Russian embassy. This interception is one of many recent military exchanges between the two nations. In December 2025, the British navy monitored a Russian submarine for three days through the English Channel. That same month, the UK and Norway agreed to operate a cooperative fleet of frigates for tracking submarines in the North Atlantic.

In November 2025, Healey reported that a Russian spy ship used lasers against RAF pilots. The ship was allegedly engaged in intelligence gathering. Back in November 2024, UK jets were deployed to monitor a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near UK airspace following similar NATO action over the Baltic Sea and off Norway.