US Navy Poseidon Endures 'Violent Turbulene' Following Intercept by Russian Su-30 Fighter Jet

A US Navy P8 Poseidon Maritime surveillance Aircraft endured 'violent turbulence' after it was intercepted by a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea close to the Russian coast on November 25.

"The Su-30 crossed within 50 feet, of the Poseidon’s path, moving from right to left and causing the Navy aircraft to fly through the Russian aircraft’s jet wash. The Poseidon endured violent turbulence, but recovered and continued on its mission, ultimately safely landing back at Sigonella," USNI News reported quoting a US Navy Spokesperson.

Russia's TASS report claimed that the Poseidon surveillance aircraft was approaching the Russian coastline at a high rate of speed and only changed course after being intercepted by the Su-30.

“On November 25, Russian means of monitoring airspace spotted an air target over an international area of the Black Sea that was approaching the state border at a high speed. A Sukhoi-30 jet of the Southern Military District’s air defense was ordered into the air for interception,” read a government statement published by the Russian newswire TASS. “The Russian fighter approached the air target and identified it as a US reconnaissance plane P-8A Poseidon.”

"After being identified by a Russian fighter the US reconnaissance plane changed its route and set course away from Russia’s airspace," the report said. "Upon completing its mission the Russian fighter safely returned to base".

Earlier, the CNN television network quoted Pentagon spokeswoman Michelle Baldanza as saying the US plane remained in international airspace and did nothing that might provoke the Russian plane’s crew into "unsafe intercept".

However, the Navy and Department of Defense did not issue a formal statement post the latest incident, but a Navy spokesperson told USNI News, “the Russian aircraft was in its right to fly in international airspace, but we expect safe and professional conduct in international waters and airspace”.