US Navy says Russian planes intercepted its aircraft over Mediterranean

Interception is third in two months over same waters

The US Navy on Tuesday accused Russia of intercepting its aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea as tensions simmered between the two countries. US Navy

The US Navy on Tuesday accused Russia of intercepting its aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea as tensions simmered between the two countries.

In a statement, the US Navy’s sixth fleet in Europe and Africa said two Russian military SU-35 jets intercepted a P-8A aircraft over Eastern Mediterranean Sea for more than an hour.

“The intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional due to the Russian pilots taking close station on each wing of the P-8A simultaneously, restricting the P-8A’s ability to safely manoeuvre,” the US Navy said.

The interception is the third in two months over the same waters.

The US Navy said it was “unnecessary” and “inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules, and jeopardised the safety of flight of both aircraft".

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the US from the Open Skies Treaty to which Russia is signatory.

It allows nations to fly over each other’s territory.