Russian Fighter Intercepts US Drone over the Black Sea

By streiff | 3:45 PM on March 14, 2023

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A Russian Su-27 fighter has forced a USAF MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drone to crash land in the Black Sea.

As far as can be discerned, this is the story.

An MQ-9 reconnaissance drone on a routine mission of the international waters of the Black Sea was intercepted by a pair of Russian Su-27 fighters based in occupied Crimea around 7 a.m. CET, or 2 p.m. Eastern.

During the interception, the two fighters dumped fuel in front of the MQ-9. Then one of the fighters collided with the propeller of the MQ-9. As a result, the MQ-9 was total loss; the Russian fighter had to make an emergency landing.

According to USAF General James Hecker, commander US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, this is not the first time Russian fighters have intercepted a reconnaissance drone. However, it is the first time that the interception has resulted in a collision or a downing of a drone.

Former infantry officer, CGSC grad and Army Operations Center alumnus. Also an amateur historian (Colonial America) and a dabbler in historical fiction.
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