The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday it deployed a Su-30 fighter jet after it detected a MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the U.S. approaching the above the Black Sea.
To identify the target and prevent any violations of state borders, the Russian Aerospace Forces launched the Su-30 fighter aircraft for air defense duties.
"The crew of the Russian fighter aircraft identified the airborne target as an MQ-9A Reaper reconnaissance UAV belonging to the United States Air Force," it said.
After the approach of the Russian aircraft, the UAV reportedly retreated from the border.
"The Russian fighter aircraft safely returned to its base, not allowing any violation of the Russian Federation's state border. The flight of the Russian aircraft was conducted in compliance with international rules governing the use of neutral waters in the airspace," it added.
On March 14, the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) announced that two Russian Su-27 aircraft harassed a U.S. MQ-9 UAV above the Black Sea, and the MQ-9 crashed into international waters.
The Russian Defense Ministry had previously said the U.S. MQ-9 UAV violated the temporary restricted area notified to all airspace users due to Ukraine's "special military operation," which was in accordance with international standards.
