Two SU-30 warplanes escorted two US B-1B strategic bombers over the Black Sea in order to prevent the American planes from violating Russia’s borders, the Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday.
“On October 19, 2021, Russian airspace control devices detected air targets approaching the state border of the Russian Federation over the neutral waters of the Black Sea. To identify the air targets and prevent a violation of the Russian state border, two Su-30 fighters from the air aviation of the Black Sea Fleet were scrambled,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
According to the statement, the air targets were identified as two strategic US Air Force supersonic B-1B bombers, accompanied by two KC-135 tanker aircraft. The Russian planes escorted them over the Black Sea.
“After the foreign military aircraft turned away from the state border of the Russian Federation, the Russian fighters returned safely to its home base,” the ministry added.
The flight by the Russian aircraft was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace.
Over the past few years, Moscow has repeatedly pointed out the escalating activity of the US and their allies in the region, warning that such behaviour by NATO near Russian territory might result in border incidents.
Source: Agencies
