"On June 4, 2019, a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft flying in international airspace over the Mediterranean Sea was intercepted by a Russian SU-35 three times over the course of 175 minutes. The first and third interaction were deemed safe. 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 our 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", the statement said.
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According to the US 6th fleet, "the U.S. aircraft was operating consistent with international law and did not provoke this Russian activity". The statement also made reference to the 1972 Agreement for the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas (INCSEA), which promotes maritime navigation and flight safety on or over international waterways.
The Russian military has not commented on the issue yet.
Meanwhile, similar incidents have reportedly increased in recent years amid NATO military buildup near Russia’s borders.
READ MORE: Russia Will React ‘Accordingly’ to NATO Activity in Black Sea – Deputy FM
The P-8A Poseidon is a long-range multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. It features a bomb bay and pylons for weapons and performs anti-submarine, anti-surface manoeuvres, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
READ MORE: US Navy Issues $2.4 Billion Contract for P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
