Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet Intercepts Polish Plane over Black Sea: Romanian Defense Ministry

BUCHAREST – Russian fighter jets intercepted a Polish aircraft patrolling for the European Union border agency over the Black Sea. This was disclosed by the Romanian Defense Ministry, denouncing the move as “aggressive and dangerous” behavior by Moscow.

“A Polish border guard aircraft was conducting a routine Frontex patrol with the Romanian border police on Friday when it was intercepted by repeated aggressive and dangerous maneuvers, carried out by a Sukhoi Su-35 fighter,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. Al ArabiaSunday (7/5/2023).

The statement added that the Romanian and Spanish aircraft were given “advance warning” by NATO when the incident occurred, but the Polish crew managed to land safely.

The incident occurred in international airspace over the Black Sea, about 60 kilometers east of Romanian airspace, the ministry said.

“This incident is further evidence of the Russian Federation’s provocative approach in the Black Sea.” said Bucharest.

Contacted by AFP, European border agency Frontex did not immediately respond. The Polish border guard also declined to comment, saying a statement would be issued on Sunday local time.

Polish aircraft have been deployed in Romania from April 19 and will remain there until May 17, part of the Frontex operation organized by Romania which also includes Spain and Sweden.

(ian)