WASHINGTON (AP) — In a concerning incident, Russian fighter jets engaged in dangerous maneuvers near multiple U.S. drone aircraft over Syria, resulting in the deployment of flares and the need for evasive actions, as reported by the Air Force.
This marks the second occurrence within a 24-hour period where Russian forces have harassed U.S. drones in the region.
Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, expressed his concern, stating, “We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
Colonel Michael Andrews, a spokesperson for the Air Forces Central Command, provided additional details, stating, “The Russian harassment, including close fly-bys by an SU-34 and an SU-35, and deploying flares directly into the MQ-9, lasted almost an hour. So it wasn’t a quick fly-by, but much more of a sustained and unprofessional interaction.”
Videos of the separate incidents that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday were released by the U.S. Air Forces Central. The first incident, which happened around 10am, went like this: At 40 a.m. local time, a Russian SU-35 fighter jet approached a Reaper drone in northwestern Syria. One of the Russian pilots flew the plane in front of the drone, activating the SU-35’s afterburners and greatly increasing its speed and air pressure.
This practice poses a risk to the electronics of the Reaper drone, impacting its functionality and potentially compromising the operator’s ability to safely control the aircraft. In addition, the incident deployed a parachute missile into orbit of the drone.
The second incident happened around 9am in northwestern Syria. “The Russian aircraft dropped a flare in front of the drone and flew dangerously close, jeopardizing the safety of all aircraft involved,” Glinkevich said, expressing concern about the situation.
It is important to note that these drones were unarmed and were primarily used for reconnaissance missions.
U.S. Central Command Commander General Eric Kurilla issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions, saying such violations “risk escalation and miscalculation” as part of continued efforts to clear Syrian airspace,” he stressed.
About 900 US troops are currently stationed in Syria to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in their fight against ISIS fighters. No details about the drone deployment have been announced at this time.
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The attack by a Russian fighter jet on a US drone over Syria has raised serious concerns about the security and professionalism of the Russian military in the region. Repeated fly-bys, use of flares, and dangerous maneuvers pose a direct threat to U.S. drones, increasing the risk of escalation and miscalculation. These measures not only hamper continued efforts to clear Syrian airspace, but also disrupt reconnaissance missions by unarmed drones.
The reactions of U.S. military officials such as Lt. Gen. Alex Glinkewicz and Colonel Michael Andrews underscore the need for Russia to stop such reckless behavior and adhere to professional standards of conduct. US Air Force Central Command releases video of incident to raise awareness .
Overall, incidents involving Russian fighter jets and US drones in Syria highlight the need for continued surveillance and diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability. The safety of military personnel and uninterrupted progress in fighting ISIS remain top priorities for the United States and its allies.
