WASHINGTON — A Russian fighter jet downed a U.S. drone functioning above the Black Sea on Tuesday, U.S. European Command explained in a statement.
“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting regime functions in international airspace when it was intercepted and strike by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9,” claimed U.S. Air Pressure Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa.
Prior to the collision, two Russian aircraft harassed the drone, he explained.
“Various instances prior to the collision, the Su-27s dumped gas on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional way,” the statement included.
General Atomics’ Guardian drone, which is the maritime variation of the company’s Predator B or MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial car.
General Atomics
The incident “demonstrates a lack of competence” by Russia, the European Command reported. The U.S. identified as the conduct “unsafe and unprofessional,” and element of a pattern of hazardous habits by Russian pilots.
The incident happened in intercontinental airspace, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby informed reporters. He included that the U.S. was regularly flying around the Black Sea right before the war in Ukraine broke out in February of very last calendar year.
Two Sukhoi Su-27 fighters conduct through celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Russian air pressure base of the Collective Protection Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Kant, about 20 km exterior Bishkek on Oct 27, 2013. AFP Image / VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO (Photo credit rating should really browse VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP by way of Getty Images)
Vyacheslav Oseledko | Afp | Getty Photos
Kirby mentioned that the U.S. is not demanded to “check out in” Russia in advance of traveling. He extra that the State Office would focus on the matter with Russian counterparts.
The Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not instantly answer to CNBC’s request for comment.
The MQ-9 Reaper drone method is intended to gather intelligence and carry out reconnaissance missions and is made by Normal Atomics Aeronautical Techniques.
The remotely piloted technique can carry a combination of Hellfire missiles, Joint Immediate Attack Munitions, or JDAMs.
