Kathrine Frich
The incident is the latest sign of rising military tension near Ukraine.
The incident is the latest sign of rising military tension near Ukraine.
Russian Jet Shadows US Navy Plane Over Black Sea
Footage has captured the moment a Russian Su-35S fighter jet flew dangerously close to a US Navy P-8A Poseidon over international waters.
The encounter took place off the Crimean coast, with the American aircraft conducting surveillance operations.
Russia Accuses US of Helping Ukraine Gather Intel
Moscow claims the American aircraft was collecting sensitive information for Ukraine’s armed forces.
Pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Voyenny Osvedomitel wrote:
“The captured payload, traced for the first time on the American submarine-hunter is of particular interest.”
Advanced Sensor Raises Eyebrows in Moscow
Observers noted the Poseidon was equipped with a rare AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor radar.
“There is not much publicly available information about it, but it is known to be a versatile system designed for detecting submarines, surface vessels, and for coastal reconnaissance,” the Russian channel reported.
Russian Jet Made No Contact but Sent Clear Signal
Despite the close approach, the Russian Su-35S did not interfere directly with the American plane.
The advanced fighter jet, valued at around £60 million, is Russia’s most capable 4.5-generation aircraft.
The US Navy jet, worth £208 million, maintained its path over international waters.
Ukraine War Seen as Testing Ground for New Weapons
Russian sources have openly described the war as a live-fire weapons lab.
“The war in Ukraine has become an excellent testing ground, both for us and for our ‘respected partners’, to trial the latest types of weaponry under real combat conditions,” one source said.
US Officials Warn of Russian Surveillance in Germany
Beyond the Black Sea, US officials are tracking Russian or proxy surveillance drones over eastern Germany.
According to the New York Times, the flights may be targeting the transport of Western military equipment.
The goal could be to support Russian sabotage activity in Europe.
Kremlin-Linked Sabotage Blamed for European Attacks
Russia has been accused of sponsoring sabotage across Europe.
Alleged operations include arson at UK warehouses, a dam attack in Norway, and cable disruptions under the Baltic Sea.
Western officials believe these acts are part of a broader Russian campaign to destabilise the region.
Surveillance and Security Countermeasures Intensify
The number of sabotage acts linked to Russia has dropped in 2025.
Officials credit this to tighter European security and more aggressive intelligence operations.
US and European agencies have increased their efforts to monitor and prevent further attacks on infrastructure.
