A few days ago, an F-35 Lightning II squadron arrived in the Middle East. Despite the presence of fifth-generation fighters, Russian aircraft continue to pursue and provoke American MQ-9 Reaper drones.
What is known
The arrival of the F-22 Raptor in the Middle East in June was associated with aggressive flights by Russian aircraft, but they have already returned home. The F-35 Lightning IIs were sent to the region after Iran’s attempt to seize tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, but while they were flying, a Russian Su-35 damaged the propeller of an MQ-9 drone.
On July 23 Russian military aircraft deployed flares, damaging a U.S. MQ-9 while conducting a defeat-ISIS mission. For the full statement by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, Commander, 9th AF (AFCENT) visithttps://t.co/5cQm8MQ6aQ@CENTCOM @DeptofDefense @usairforce @CJTFOIR pic.twitter.com/ViVTI3P05i
— US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) July 25, 2023
Despite the fact that a group of fifth-generation US Air Force fighters, as well as A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, are currently deployed in the region, Russian aircraft continue to behave aggressively. Recently, a second MQ-9 Reaper drone was damaged in the skies over Syria, Air & Space Forces Magazine reports.
U.S. officials said that on July 26, two Russian fighter jets approached a U.S. drone. After that, one of them launched a heat trap, which damaged the left wing of the MQ-9 in several places.
The Russian side commented on the incident and claimed that it was a provocation by the United States. Russia’s representative in Syria said that the MQ-9 Reaper approached the Su-34 and Su-35 at a dangerous distance, which is why they had to use heat traps for their own protection.
According to the Russians, the system worked automatically when the drone approached. US officials deny the allegations. According to them, Russian planes need an additional pilot if the MQ-9 drone is able to approach a fighter jet such as the Su-35 without any problems.
