Tensions escalate as Russian fighter jets play chicken with with US drones over Syria

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Russia, a squadron of Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft engaged in dangerous behavior by harassing US MQ-9 drones over Syrian airspace on Wednesday. Departing from established norms and protocols, the Russian fighters deployed parachute flares directly in the flight path of the American drones, creating a hazardous situation. The US Air Forces Central swiftly responded to the incident by releasing a video footage that vividly captured the encounter.

The video clearly shows Russian military aircraft engaging in unsafe and unprofessional conduct while interacting with US drones in Syria. According to Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich, commander of the 9th Air Force in the Middle East, three US MQ-9 drones were on a mission targeting ISIS when three Russian fighter jets initiated their aggressive actions. The Russian jets' deliberate dropping of multiple parachute flares in front of the drones forced the US aircraft to execute evasive maneuvers, a dangerous situation that could have resulted in a catastrophic collision.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, one Russian pilot positioned their aircraft directly in front of an MQ-9 and engaged the afterburner, further jeopardizing the operator's ability to safely control the drone. Expressing concern and frustration over these incidents, Lt. Gen.

Grynkewich issued a statement condemning the unprofessional and unsafe actions of the Russian air forces operating in Syria. He stressed that such behavior endangers the safety of both US and Russian forces. Urging the Russian forces to cease this reckless behavior immediately, Grynkewich called for adherence to the standards of behavior expected from a professional air force.