A Russian Su-27 jet intercepted a U.S. RC-135U reconnaissance plane that was closing in on the territory of the Russian Federation. Unable to identify the radar target, the Russian Air Force deployed the interceptor, forcing the U.S.’ plane to change course. Meanwhile, experts stress that the U.S. is acutely aware of Russia’s disadvantage with regards to defending the country against a possible nuclear first strike while both U.S., Russian and NATO nuclear forces remain on hair-trigger alert.
An official spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, Gen. Maj. Igor Konashenkov, told the press, on Saturday, that a Russian Su-27 fighter interceptor jet, on April 7, intercepted the U.S. American RC-135U reconnaissance plane.
The RC-135U was reportedly approaching the territory of the Russian Federation over the Baltic Sea. The Russian Su-27 forced the U.S. plane to change its course.
Gen. Maj. Konashenkov stressed that the American RC-135U, which he described as “spy plane” had shut off its transponder, making it impossible for the Russian radar facilities to identify the plane. Konashenkov would add the reassuring words that “no extraordinary situation occurred” when the Su-27 circled around the RC-135U reconnaissance plane.
He added that it is up to the Russian command to assess the professional qualities of the Russian pilots while the United States’ reconnaissance planes can perform routine flights only along U.S. borders.