Russian Su-27 Jets Intercept French Mirage-2000s over Black Sea

A pair of Russian Su-27 fighters intercepted two Mirage-2000s and a KC-135 tanker operated by the French Air Force over Black Sea Wednesday.

In a statement, the Russian National Defense Control Center said that the Russian jets carried out the operation in strict accordance with international rules. “After the turn of foreign military aircraft from the state border of the Russian Federation, the Russian fighters returned safely to the airfield.”

The French jets were flying over neutral waters of the Black Sea. “To prevent violation of the state border of the Russian Federation, two Su-27 fighters from the air defense officers of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces of the Southern Military District were taken into the air. Violations of the state border of the Russian Federation were not allowed," the statement read.