One of the Boeing B52-H Bombers currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the Bomber Task Force has been involved what the US Air Force describes as an ‘unsafe and unprofessional’ interception by a Russian fighter.
The incident, which occurred on Friday 28th August Aug. 28, 2020, involved two Russian Su-27 Flanker jets which intercepted the B52 which was conducting operations in international airspace over the Black Sea.
The Su-27 pilots reportedly flew their aircraft within 100 feet of the bomber causing turbulence and restricting the B-52’s ability to manoeuvre
“Actions like these increase the potential for midair collisions, are unnecessary, and inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules,”
“While the Russian aircraft were operating in international airspace, they jeopardized the safety of flight of the aircraft involved. We expect them to operate within international standards set to ensure safety and prevent accidents,”
Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander
