Russian fighter jet forces down US drone over Black Sea after intercept

[Poiuyt]

A Russian fighter jet forced down a US Air Force drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday after damaging the propeller of the American MQ-9 Reaper drone, according to the US Air Force.

The Reaper drone and two SU-27 Flanker jets were operating over international waters over the Black Sea when one of the Russian jets intentionally flew in front of and dumped fuel in front of the unmanned drone, according to the official. One of the jets then damaged the propeller of the Reaper, which is mounted on the rear of the drone, the official said. The damage to the propeller forced the US to bring down the Reaper in international waters in the Black Sea.

The incident marks the first time Russian and US military aircraft have come into direct contact since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago and is likely to increase tensions between the two nations, with the US Air Force calling Russia’s actions “reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional.”

https://us.cnn.com/2023/03/14/politics/russian-jet-us-drone-black-sea/index.html

[pwb]

1. I think we put the brakes on the drone

trying to damage the Russian pukes jet.

[GoCubsGo]

5. Yes, several reports I'm seeing are calling it a "collision."

One of the pair of jets that intercepted it caught its rear propeller. It's certainly conceivable that there was maneuvering on the part of the drone's pilot in order to do damage to one or both jets.

[Marcuse]

2. Seize $32M reparation from sanctioned assets.

[roamer65]

3. Then give it to Ukraine.

[mitch96]

4. I wonder if a Reaper will carry a suicide drone for protection??

Accidental on purpose collision mitigation?
m