In a recent air encounter over Syria, a Russian fighter jet caused damage to an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, as reported by the US Air Force on Tuesday, July 25.
The incident occurred around 12:23 am local time on Sunday, July 23, when the Russian aircraft flew dangerously close to the US drone, deploying flares in proximity to the American craft.
Footage captured the Russian jet flying in close proximity to the MQ-9 Reaper, revealing the pilot inside the cockpit. Subsequently, the Russian jet flew over the American drone and released four flares, one of which struck the MQ-9, causing severe damage to its propeller.
However, the drone’s crew managed to maintain flight and safely return it to its home base despite the damage.
The altercation took place while the MQ-9 was conducting an anti-ISIS mission in Syria, similar to previous incidents this month involving Russian interference. However, the US has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the Russian behavior or the exact locations of these encounters.
Just a week prior, another Russian Su-35 jet flew close to a manned US MC-12 aircraft, acting in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, potentially endangering the crew. This latest incident marks the third occasion in less than three weeks where Russian aircraft have engaged in dangerous maneuvers around American MQ-9 Reapers targeting ISIS.
Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the US Air Forces Central commander, expressed concern over the Russian fighter’s disregard for flight safety, which could undermine their mission to defeat ISIS. He urged Russian forces in Syria to cease such reckless and unprovoked behavior.