Reports show US might open investigations around Russia, US drone collapse
Date
3/15/2023 9:23:59 AM
(MENAFN) US and Russia have traded accusations of reckless behavior after an American drone crashed into the Black Sea following an encounter with Russian fighter jets. According to US officials, Russian fighter jets dropped fuel into the path of the drone which was flying in international airspace. The MQ-9 Reaper drone, which was damaged in the incident, was brought down by the US. Russia has denied its two Su-27 fighter jets made any contact with the drone. The incident raises questions on whether the encounter was just an attempt to disrupt the US drone or a deliberate attempt to bring it down.
The confrontation occurred at about 07:03 Central European Time on Tuesday and lasted for around 30-40 minutes. The fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone several times before the collision in a reckless and unprofessional manner. The Pentagon spokesperson, Brig Gen Pat Ryder, said that the drone became "unflyable and uncontrollable so we brought it down." It is believed that the Russian aircraft was also damaged in the collision. The MQ-9 Reaper drone is a surveillance aircraft with a 20m wingspan.
The incident is the latest sign of increasing tension between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war. Prof Michael Clarke, visiting professor in war studies at King's College, believes that the collision was "almost certainly an accident." He added that no pilot would deliberately collide with another aircraft's propeller without seriously endangering their aircraft and life.
Russia's defense ministry, on the other hand, said that the drone crashed after a "sharp maneuver" and that it was flying with its transponders turned off. Transponders are communication devices that allow the aircraft to be tracked. The US National Security Council's John Kirby told CNN that they have taken steps to protect their equities with respect to that particular drone. As of now, the Russians have not recovered the drone.
The incident highlights the increasing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and the US. The US accused Russia of reckless behavior, while Russia denied any involvement in the drone's crash. The key question is whether the encounter was merely an attempt by Russia to disrupt the US drone and its work, or whether it was a deliberate attempt to bring it down.
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