Overview
- British officials say two Russian fighters intercepted an RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft during a routine mission in April 2026 and made multiple dangerously close passes.
- The UK Ministry of Defence reported that a Su‑27 came within about six metres of the Rivet Joint's nose and that a separate Su‑35 approach triggered the plane's emergency systems.
- Defence Minister John Healey publicly called the actions "dangerous and unacceptable" and praised the crew for keeping calm and completing their mission.
- The RAF flight was operating in international airspace to monitor NATO's eastern flank, and UK statements stress these surveillance missions are lawful and routine.
- Officials say the April episode is the most hazardous encounter since 2022 and warn it heightens the risk of accidents and further strain in NATO–Russia ties.