In a recent and alarming encounter, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet conducted what US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) has described as “dangerously close” maneuvers around a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.

The incident, which took place over Syrian airspace, saw the Russian aircraft harass the US drone by deploying flares, one of which damaged the Reaper’s propeller—a move that not only risks escalation but also demonstrates Moscow’s continued aggressive posture in the region.

The incident occurred during the early hours of a Sunday morning as the US drone was engaged in a counter-Islamic State mission. According to the US Air Force, the Russian Su-35 approached the Reaper and released several flares directly above it, causing “severe” damage to its propeller.

However, the MQ-9 crew maintained control and safely returned the drone to its base. The US military released unclassified footage capturing the Russian pilot’s face and the subsequent flare deployment, along with photographs evidencing the damage to the drone.

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of AFCENT, strongly condemned the Russian pilot’s actions, stating, “The Russian fighter’s blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Such interactions not only degrade the mission but also pose serious risks of unintended escalation and miscalculation, as pointed out by Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command.

This latest instance follows a pattern of Russian aircraft demonstrating aggressive tactics.

Throughout July, Russian maneuvers around US military aircraft have been frequent, including three consecutive days of harassment involving parachute flares, afterburners, and close proximity flying involving multiple MQ-9 drones.

Moreover, this pattern of intimidation is not solely directed at US assets.

Two French Dassault Rafale fighters were also subjected to a “non-professional interaction” by a Russian Su-35 earlier this month.

The aggressive interactions have raised concerns at the Pentagon, with Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh characterizing Russia’s behavior as almost protective of ISIS leaders.

Singh’s assertion comes as US Reaper drones, despite Russian harassment, successfully conducted a strike in eastern Syria that eliminated an ISIS leader.

Singh emphasized that the US has communicated its mission to defeat ISIS and that there is no excuse for the Russian forces’ continual harassment, particularly when the locations of US operations are well known to Russia.

The US and its allies have urged Russia to adhere to established norms of professional conduct in the skies to refocus efforts on the shared goal of defeating ISIS.

Colin Kahl, the under-secretary of defense for policy, reinforced this stance by promising to continue highlighting Russian recklessness to the world, to ensure accountability for any resulting incidents.

Relevant articles:
– Video captures a Russian Su-35 fighter jet harassing and breaking a US Reaper drone by popping flares above it , Yahoo Lifestyle UK, 05/13/2024
– Pentagon says it’s almost like Russia’s on a ‘mission to protect ISIS leaders’ after its fighter jets harassed US Reaper drones that took out a top terrorist, Yahoo Canada Shine On, 05/10/2024