Russian jet flew 10ft from plane over Black Sea

US says Russian jet flew 10ft from plane over Black Sea.

The Pentagon says a Russian fighter plane flew within about 10ft (3m) of one of its reconnaissance aircraft operating over the Black Sea.

US officials described the intercept by the SU-27 jet on Wednesday as "dangerous and unprofessional".

Russia's defence ministry said the US plane had been approaching Russian territory and the SU-27 pilots had adhered to international rules.

Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said the US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft had been conducting routine operations in international airspace when the Russian fighter made the unsafe manoeuvre.

Russia is currently carrying out military exercises in the Black Sea.

Defence officials claimed the Russian Su-27 fighter flew dangerously close to the US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft for 19 minutes on Wednesday as it was conducting routine operations in international airspace.

Moscow has insisted the intercept was performed "in strict accordance with international flight rules", with a defence ministry spokesman alleging the US aircraft had approached Russia's southern border twice.

Major General Igor Konashenkov said the US spy plane's transponders were switched off, meaning the aircraft could not be identified without close visual confirmation.

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said most interactions with Russian units in the area were safe and professional, but warned flying within 10ft of another aircraft "has the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions, and could result in a miscalculation or accident".

US defence secretary Ash Carter added: "Russia appears driven by misguided ambitions and misplaced fears.

"It lashes out, alleging that it fears for its own viability and future, even though no nation - not the United States, not the United Kingdom - seeks to defeat it or constrain its potential."

There have been a number of similar spats between the US and Russia over military manoeuvres this year.