Russian Su-27 intercepts French jets in Black Sea While air forces disable Ukraine drone over Voronezh

The Russian Defence Ministry has reported that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet from among the on-duty air defence forces of the All-Union Air Defence Forces was put into the air.

Arriving in the Black Sea area, it detected and escorted a group of aircraft of the French Air Force, Caliber.Az reports citing the latest report of the Russian Defence Ministry.

"The crew of the Russian fighter identified the aerial targets as an E-3F long-range radar detection and control (LDR&C) aircraft and two French Air Force Rafale C multi-role fighters.... As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign military aircraft performed a U-turn from the State Border of the Russian Federation and left the airspace over the Black Sea,"

The statement emphasized that the entire interaction adhered strictly to international rules governing airspace use and was conducted "without a dangerous approach to the aircraft of a foreign state."  

Meanwhile, Governor of Voronezh Region Alexander Gusev announced that Russian air defence means shot down a drone over the Region’s territory on the morning of March 6: “A Ukrainian aircraft-type UAV has been detected and eliminated by air defence forces on duty over the territory of the Voronezh region. According to preliminary data, there are no consequences on the ground. I am keeping the operational situation in the region under control.”

The quick and effective action of the air defence mechanisms underscores the region's commitment to maintaining the safety and security of its residents.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust air defence measures in safeguarding regional integrity and the well-being of its inhabitants.