Russian fighter jet collided with US drone in the Black Sea, the US military says.

“Two Russian Su-27 jets conducted an unsafe and unprofessional interception of a (US) Air Force MQ-9 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operating today in international airspace over the Black Sea. At about 7:03 am (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 jets hit the propeller of the MQ-9, causing the U.S. forces forced to drop the MQ-9 in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s refueled and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional,” the US military said in a statement.

“Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and struck by a Russian aircraft, resulting in the crash and total loss of the MQ-9,” US Air Force Europe and Africa Commander James B. Hecker . “In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional action by the Russians almost caused the crash of both aircraft,” he underlined and added:

“US and allied aircraft will continue to operate in international airspace, and we call on the Russians to behave professionally and safely,” Hecker added.

According to the US military’s statement, “this incident follows a pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots when interacting with the US. and allied aircraft over international airspace, including the Black Sea. These aggressive actions by the Russian crew are dangerous and could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.”

US Air Forces in Europe and Africa routinely fly aircraft throughout Europe over sovereign territory and throughout international airspace in coordination with applicable host country and international law. In order to enhance collective European defense and security, these missions support Allies, partners and US national objectives, the statement concluded.