Russian Fighter Jets Strike and Release the US MQ-9 Reaper Drone.

MOSCOW – One of two Su-27 fighter jets Russia hit and drop drone Air Force MQ-9 Reaper rangefinder United States of America (US) in a tense incident over the Black Sea on Tuesday morning.

The US European Command (EUCOM) said the incident occurred during an unsafe and unprofessional intercept by two Moscow fighter jets.

“Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms operating in international airspace when the aircraft [Rusia] approaching,” EUCOM said in a statement quoted from its official website, Wednesday (15/3/2023).

“One of the Su-27 hit the propeller of the MQ-9, so the operator ejected drone it into the sea,” the EUCOM statement continued.

“Several times before the collision, the Su-27 dumped fuel and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, unfriendly and unprofessional manner,” complained EUCOM, accusing the Russian military of incompetence.

General James Hecker, US Air Force commander in Europe and Africa, said the drone was conducting routine operations in international airspace and the incident resulted in the “total loss” of an MQ-9.

EUCOM says the US routinely operates flights drone in international airspace to support Europe’s collective defense and security and support the national objectives of allies, partners and the US.

Hecker said flights would resume, and called on Russia to behave professionally and safely.