US denies allegations of dangerous counter-flights by fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets in front of Russian Su-35 jets

Last week, Russia accused the United States of dangerous manoeuvres by fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. In turn, the US command accuses the Russians of dangerous counter flights.

Here's What We Know

Russian fourth-generation Su-35 fighter jets have approached US planes over Syria several times since the beginning of August. Several high-speed passes in the opposite direction at close range have also been recorded.

This was stated by Colonel of the US Air Force Central Command Mike Andrews. According to him, such actions of Russian rafts are aimed at provocation of American pilots. The colonel claims that the Russians want the F-35 pilots to start making aggressive manoeuvres in response.

According to a bilateral agreement, the two country's planes must stay within a few miles of each other. Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of AFCENT, stated this back in April 2023. Nevertheless, according to Mike Andrews, a Russian aircraft recently flew within 300 metres of an American fighter jet.

Recall that last month Su-34 and Su-35 damaged two US MQ-9 Reaper drones. In both cases, Russian fighters used heat traps. The first drone suffered propeller damage, while in the second the left wing was hit.

Source: Defence One