Russian jet fighter turns back US spy plane
A US surveillance plane making a flight near Russia’s Black Sea coast turned back after Russia sent a fighter jet to investigate, an Air Force spokesman said today.
Col. Alexander Drobyshevsky said yesterday’s incident involved a US Orion plane based on the Greek island of Crete.
The plane was spotted about six miles from the Russian border, Drobyshevsky was quoted as saying.
It did not respond to queries from the ground and an Su-27 fighter plane was sent to intercept it.
The Orion then increased speed and left the area around the border, Drobyshevsky reportedly said.
Drobyshevsky’s office could not immediately be reached for further comment.
The Orion, a four-engine turboprop, is used as a maritime surveillance craft and is equipped with submarine detectors.
