Unsafe, Unprofessional Interception of a U.S. Navy P-8 by Russian SU-35s over the Mediterranean Sea

For the third time in two months, Russian pilots flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner while intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in the U.S. 6th Fleet, May 26, 2020

By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command May 27, 2020

View Gallery

Gallery contains 4 images

For the third time in two months, Russian pilots flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner while intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in the U.S. 6th Fleet, May 26, 2020.

On May 26, 2020, a U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft was flying in the Eastern Mediterranean over international waters and was intercepted by two Russian Su-35 aircraft over a period of 65 minutes. The intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional due to the Russian pilots taking close station on each wing of the P-8A simultaneously, restricting the P-8A’s ability to safely maneuver.

The unnecessary actions of the Russian Su-35 pilots were inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules, and jeopardized the safety of flight of both aircraft.

While the Russian aircraft was operating in international airspace, this interaction was irresponsible. We expect them to operate within international standards set to ensure safety and to prevent incidents, including the 1972 Agreement for the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas (INCSEA). Actions like these increase the potential for midair collisions.

This incident follows two unsafe interactions in April, over the same waters. In all cases, the U.S. aircraft were operating in international airspace, consistent with international law, with due regard for safety of flight, and did not provoke this Russian activity.

For more information, visit U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs and U.S. 6th Fleet

Combined event focuses on collective security, interoperability

USEUCOM Director for Plans, Policy, and Strategy attends annual Joint Commission in Poland

USEUCOM team participates in Cyber Expert Games in Poland

European Allies commemorate 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg

USEUCOM strengthens cyber defense by forging partnerships at annual NATO exercise

Combined event focuses on collective security, interoperability

US European Command hosted the Baltic Sea Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, and Intelligence Synchronization Board, combined with the Mission Partner Environment summit, in Garmisch, Germany.

USEUCOM Director for Plans, Policy, and Strategy attends annual Joint Commission in Poland

Members of the U.S.-Poland Joint Commission tasked with implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (ECDA) met to discuss various topics related to advancing this historic burden-sharing agreement.

USEUCOM team participates in Cyber Expert Games in Poland

USEUCOM’s Cyberspace Operations Advise and Assist team, along with three other members of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, participated in the Cyber Expert Games that were held in Warsaw, Poland, in early December.

Combined event focuses on collective security, interoperability

USEUCOM Director for Plans, Policy, and Strategy attends annual Joint Commission in Poland

USEUCOM team participates in Cyber Expert Games in Poland

Combined event focuses on collective security, interoperability

USEUCOM Director for Plans, Policy, and Strategy attends annual Joint Commission in Poland

USEUCOM team participates in Cyber Expert Games in Poland