On March 14, the Russians damaged an American reconnaissance drone MQ-9 Reaper. The drone was operating in international airspace over the Black Sea.

The White House and NATO commented on this incident. Read everything that is known about the downing of an American drone by the Russians in the material of Channel 24 .

Russian Su-27 damaged the propeller of an American drone

On March 14, an American MQ-9 Reaper drone disappeared into the sky over the Black Sea. The drone rammed a Russian Su-27 fighter, after which it fell into the sea west of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

The US European Command reported that the MQ-9 Reaper was operating in international airspace over the Black Sea. Several times before the collision, 2 Russian Su-27 planes tried to intercept the drone by dropping fuel.

“At approximately 7 am , one of the Russian Su-27s crashed into the propeller of an MQ-9 , causing US forces to sink the MQ-9 in international waters,” the report said.

They noted that this incident demonstrates “the incompetence, as well as the danger and lack of professionalism of the Russian side.”

Our MQ-9 aircraft was performing normal operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and shot down by a Russian aircraft, which led to the crash and total loss of the MQ-9. In fact, this dangerous and unprofessional action by the Russians almost led to the crash of both planes. Air Force General James Hecker said.

The US Air Force clarified that the Su-27 fighter crashed into the propeller of the drone, causing the drone to crash. US and allied aircraft will continue to fly in international airspace, Hecker said. The Russians were urged to behave “professionally and safely.”

What is known about the Q-9 Reaper

This is a remotely controlled drone that is used for surveillance, reconnaissance or attacks. Despite the fact that such a drone can be equipped with missiles, the drone that fell was exclusively reconnaissance. Q-9 Reaper often appeared in the Black Sea or near the borders with Ukraine to monitor the situation on the Eastern flank of NATO.

The reaction of the White House and NATO

White House press secretary John Kirby said US President Joseph Biden had already been informed of the incident. Although there were other similar interceptions, he said, this case deserves attention, because it was “dangerous and unprofessional” and led to the fall of an American drone.

Therefore, it (the event – Channel 24) is unique in this respect, – said the White House press secretary.

Kirby added that the US State Department would prove to notify Russian officials of its concerns about the situation.

The Supreme Military Commander of the North Atlantic Alliance, General Christopher Cavoli, briefed all 30 NATO member countries of the downing of an MQ-9 Reaper drone over international waters. The US military condemned the incident as “reckless”.

Important! In connection with this incident, the United States has already summoned the Russian ambassador in Washington to the State Department.