When that Russian fighter jet collided with a U.S. surveillance drone, it was a rare, but serious incident raising concerns Russia could recover sensitive U.S. technology. Here's what is known and still uncertain about the crash, and what happens next.
WASHINGTON — When a Russian fighter jet collided with a large U.S. surveillance drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday, it was a rare but serious incident that triggered a U.S. diplomatic protest and raised concerns about the possibility Russia could recover sensitive technology.
Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa, said that the Russian jet's actions"nearly caused both aircraft to crash." Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the collision likely also damaged the Russian fighter jet, but the Su-27 was able to land. He would not say where it landed.
Russia has declared broad areas near Crimea off limits to flights. Ever since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and long before Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Moscow has charged that U.S. surveillance planes were flying too close to its borders while ignoring the notices issued by Russia. Used routinely during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars for surveillance and airstrikes, the Reaper can be either armed or unarmed. It can carry up to eight laser-guided missiles, including Hellfire missiles and other sophisticated munitions, and can loiter over targets for about 24 hours. It is about 36 feet long, 12 feet high, and weighs about 4,900 pounds . It can fly at an altitude of up to 50,000 feet and has a range of about 1,400 nautical miles .
And White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. will be"expressing our concerns over this unsafe and unprofessional intercept."
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