The Russian defense ministry said that the American basic patrol aircraft was moving toward the Russian border.
On Monday, September 18, Russian air traffic control over the Barents Sea detected a US Navy aircraft over the Barents Sea, after which a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet was scrambled. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
The ministry said that the fighter jet from the Northern Fleet’s air defense duty was raised to recognize the object and prevent violation of the Russian state border.
The air target was identified by the Russian side as a P-8A Poseidon basic patrol aircraft of the US Air Force.
It is reported that the American plane was allegedly heading toward the Russian border, but turned around as the MiG-31 approached.
“The flight of the Russian fighter jet was carried out in accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters without crossing air routes and dangerous approach with an aircraft of a foreign state,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
