On Tuesday, the US government reported that a Russian Su-27 jet had collided with a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea. The incident took place in international airspace over international waters. According to reports, the Su-27 jet hit the propeller of the American drone, causing it to crash into the sea.
This latest incident is just the latest in a series of incidents between the United States and Russia in the Black Sea. In recent years, tensions have been rising between the two countries over issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, and Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
The US has been conducting surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the region using drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper. These drones are used for a variety of purposes, including gathering intelligence, tracking enemy movements, and targeting enemy positions.
Russia has expressed its opposition to these operations, claiming that they violate its territorial sovereignty. In response, the Russian military has increased its presence in the region, conducting its own military exercises and increasing its patrols.
While the collision between the Su-27 jet and the MQ-9 Reaper drone is certainly concerning, it is important to note that it took place in international airspace over international waters. As such, it does not appear to have violated any international laws or agreements.
However, the incident does underscore the growing tensions between the United States and Russia in the Black Sea. It is unclear what steps, if any, will be taken to prevent further incidents from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, it is likely that the US will continue to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the region using drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper. It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these operations, and whether they will escalate tensions further.
Overall, the collision between the Su-27 jet and the MQ-9 Reaper drone highlights the complex and volatile nature of the relationship between the United States and Russia. It is important that both countries work together to prevent further incidents from occurring, and to find a way to deescalate tensions in the region.
