Russia Shot Down A U.S. Military Drone Over International Waters

The Russian aircraft then struck the drone's propeller causing U.S. forces to bring the MQ-9 drone down into international waters.

An incident occurred that marked the first time Russian and U.S. military aircraft have come into direct physical contact since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine a little over a year ago.

On Tuesday, a Russian fighter jet forced down a U.S. Air Force drone over the Black Sea. The reaper drone and two Russian SU-27 aircrafts were traveling over the Black Sea when one of the Russian jets intentionally flew in front of the unmanned drone and dumped fuel on it several times.

The Russian aircraft then struck the drone’s propeller causing U.S. forces to bring the MQ-9 drone down into international waters.

The Russian aircrafts allegedly flew near the drone for nearly an hour before striking it.

U.S. military officials claimed the actions were “unsafe and unprofessional” and almost caused both the jet and drone to crash.

The situation is likely to increase tensions between the two nations.