RAF Rivet Joint aircraft dangerously intercepted by Russian fighter jets over the Black Sea [VIDEO]

According to the ministry, one Russian Su-35 flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling its autopilot system. In another intercept, a Russian Su-27 made six passes in front of the British aircraft, at one point flying as close as six metres from the Rivet Joint’s nose.

The Ministry of Defence said the RAF crew remained calm and professional throughout the incident. The aircraft completed its planned flight despite the Russian manoeuvres.

A @RoyalAirForce Rivet Joint aircraft operating in international airspace over the Black Sea was dangerously intercepted by Russian military jets – flying as close as six metres and triggering onboard emergency systems.

Despite these reckless manoeuvres, RAF crew completed their… pic.twitter.com/QyUP7dE4OJ

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 20, 2026

This week, representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Russian Embassy to condemn what the UK described as dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by the Russian pilots. The incident was the most dangerous Russian action against a UK Rivet Joint since 2022, when a Russian aircraft fired a missile over the Black Sea.

“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,” Defence Secretary John Healey said.

“I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions,” Healey added.

“Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend NATO, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression,” he said.

The RAF Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft equipped with advanced sensors for electronic surveillance. The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft helps improve situational awareness and supports efforts to keep NATO territory safe.

The incident comes amid continued Russian aggression and heightened military activity in Eastern Europe and the High North. The intercepts occurred days after Healey publicly highlighted Russian submarine activity near critical underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic, where British personnel, ships and aircraft were deployed alongside allies.

The UK said it remains committed to supporting allies and defending NATO territory and its citizens. The ministry said the latest incident would not affect Britain’s operations with NATO partners.