Moment Russian jet crashes into US drone

The US Air Force has released a video said to show a Russian jet intercepting a US drone and dumping fuel in its path over the Black Sea.

The American military said two Russian Su-27 jets intercepted the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone in international airspace before one of them struck the aircraft's propeller, causing US forces to have to bring it down.

Russia denied involvement, with a senior figure describing the episode as a “provocation.”

The US military said it ditched the MQ-9 Reaper in the sea Tuesday after the Russian fighter jet poured fuel on the unmanned aerial vehicle and then struck its propeller.

About The Independent:
Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Connect with The Independent:

[Ji_hadJoe]

Drone operator awarded Purple Heart for wounded pride...

[therealdarkwhale]

Why do they feel the need to put intense inception type music over the news to scare people?

[jay]

😂 the independent gearing us all up for war with that dramatic music

[davidhughes]

Was surprised that they both cost roughly the same ($30m I think) - hell of an expensive way to take out a UAV though 😄

[reshamsubba]

USA : Use missile to shoot balloon
Meanwhile Russia :

[umaryounis]

If that was intended, that’s some amazing flying !

[peterharrison]

Now show the film of the Russian drone over the Gulf of Mexico, including the American response.

[AA-ordt]

I don’t care what anyone says (or how much dramatic music is used), this is hilarious! 😂

[eddro]

That is GOOD footage tho CLEARLY SHOWS THEY MEANT TO DO THAT WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT

[ESCAPEGOAT.]

Worthy of the flying skills of Hans-Ulrich Rudel. Bravo r.ussian fighter jet pilot!

[rwf.Gorrita]

Bro just pissed on a drone and it died bruh

[adrianwright]

Definitely a hit - a propellor is clearly bent - see 0:37. At that speed it could have caused significant damage to the plane.

[JetfireQuasar]

It's impressive flying to damage the prop only and not wreck the drone entirely by damaging the Y shape stabilizer which is right behind the prop. very impressive.

[shrky]

Watch your jet bro watch you jet ! WATCH YOUR JET !!!

[danielediottavio]

The Americans should keep their drones to defend their territory, only, why this drone was there???

[fraze]

They're taking trolling to new heights.

[wanderlusterer]

Nice flying....But can it do the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs 🤔

[Gtechpaving]

No shots fired narrative quashed with pure skill 😂

[DiversionSnM]

Is there something else following behind the jet?

[t-rex]

They’ll never have to buy themselves a pint, that’s for sure! 😂🤘