Russian defence ministry complains about US MQ-9 Reaper drone attempting to come dangerously close to Su-35 fourth-generation fighter jet

The Russian defence ministry has reported aggressive behaviour of the MQ-9 Reaper drone in Syria. The statement said the drone approached a fourth-generation Su-35 fighter jet.

Here's What We Know

If the Russians are to be believed, the incident took place on 25 August 2023. The US drone allegedly approached the Russian fighter jet at an altitude of about 700 metres. The pilot of the aircraft was able to evade the collision.

The MQ-9 Reaper has a maximum speed of approximately 400 kilometres per hour. The Russian fighter jet can fly several times faster. Therefore, it is not quite clear how the drone was able to get dangerously close to the manned aircraft.

By the way, Russia recently accused the F-35 Lightning II pilots of dangerous counter flights in front of the Su-35. The US Air Force Central Command denies the accusations and speaks of Russian provocations in the skies over Syria.

Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, Russian fighter jets damaged two MQ-9 Reaper drones a couple of days apart. In both cases, heat traps were used. In one drone the propeller was damaged and in the other the wing was hit.

Source: Russian Ministry of Defence