“Russian Su-35 carried out an unsafe intercept of a U. S. Navy P-8A over the Mediterranean Sea,” the Pentagon says

“Russian Su-35 carried out an unsafe intercept of a U. S. Navy P-8A over the Mediterranean Sea,” the Pentagon says

By Dario Leone
Jun 7 2019
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The crew of the P-8A reported wake turbulence following the interaction. The duration of the intercept was approximately 28 minutes.

On Jun. 4, 2019, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft flying in international airspace over the Mediterranean Sea was intercepted by a Russian Su-35 three times. The first and third interaction were deemed safe. According to the U.S. Navy, the second interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the Su-35 conducting a high speed pass directly in front of the mission aircraft, which put U.S. pilots and crew at risk. The crew of the P-8A reported wake turbulence following the second interaction. The duration of the intercept was approximately 28 minutes.

According to the US Navy ‘While the Russian aircraft was operating in international airspace, this interaction was irresponsible. We expect them to behave within international standards set to ensure safety and to prevent incidents, including the 1972 Agreement for the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas (INCSEA). Unsafe actions‎ increase the risk of miscalculation and potential for midair collisions.’

“Russian Su-35 carried out an unsafe intercept of a U. S. Navy P-8A  over the Mediterranean Sea,” the Pentagon says
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. P-8A Poseidon Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX-1) Pioneers, JA955 / 167955. NAS Patuxent River, MD

The U.S. aircraft was operating consistent with international law and did not provoke this Russian activity.

The P-8A Poseidon is the U.S. Navy’s multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. The P-8A efficiently conducts anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian response. These capabilities are enhanced through secure, interoperable, net-ready systems. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion.

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Photo credit: Dmitriy Pichugin via Wikimedia Commons


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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