Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea

World U.K. spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian military jets over Black Sea, defense ministry says Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 1:20 PM EDT / CBS/AFP Add CBS News on Google Two Russian jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted a British surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea last month, the defense ministry said in a statement on Wednesday."This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace. These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation," Defense Minister John Healey said in the communique.The incident comes as relations between the two countries remain at a historic low over the Ukraine war and longstanding spying allegations.The Russian Su-35 and Su-27 jets intercepted the Royal Air Force (RAF) Rivet Joint aircraft last month with the Su-27 at one point flying as close as six meters (19 feet) to the British plane's nose, the statement added, along with a 12-second video of the alleged incident.The surveillance aircraft was taking part in a routine flight in international airspace as part of the U.K.'s work alongside allies to secure NATO's Eastern Flank. Two Russian jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted a British surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea last month, the defense ministry said in a statement on May 20, 2026. U.K. Defense Ministry Officials said the encounter was the most serious involving a U.K. Rivet Joint since 2022. In that case, a Russian aircraft fired a missile near a British plane over the same region.In the new incident, "one Russian Su-35 aircraft flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling the autopilot system," the ministry said."In another dangerous intercept, a Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft," it added. "Serious consequences"Healey said the incident would not "deter the UK's commitment to defend N...