Russian Su-35S Fighter Jet Makes Aggressive Maneuvers Near French Reaper Drone Over Eastern Mediterranean

In a concerning escalation of military tensions, the French Ministry of Defense has reported that a Russian Su-35S fighter jet came dangerously close to a French Reaper drone, flying over neutral waters in the eastern Mediterranean.

The jet allegedly conducted three “aggressive” maneuvers, putting the drone at risk of losing control.

The Close Encounters Over the Mediterranean

According to French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the incident took place on Sunday, March 2, while the French drone was conducting a surveillance mission.

The drone was reportedly monitoring the movements of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean, possibly near the Syrian coast.

During this mission, the Russian Su-35S fighter jet came alarmingly close to the drone on three separate occasions, raising serious concerns about the safety of the operation.

The Suspected Role of the Russian Airbase

Experts believe that the Su-35S fighter jet involved in the incident may have launched from Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase, a key military installation in Syria that remains operational despite recent political changes in Damascus.

This close encounter further heightens the stakes in an already tense region, where military operations and surveillance missions are regularly conducted by various nations.

Previous Incidents Involving Russian Interference

This latest episode follows a troubling pattern of aggressive Russian military tactics.

In mid-January, the French military had reported that their reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Baltic Sea had been targeted by Russian electronic warfare systems.

The French aircraft was also affected by radar guidance from a ground-based air defense system, with potential links to Russia’s Kaliningrad region.

Such incidents underscore the growing concerns over Russian interference in European airspace and international waters.

The French Ministry of Defense’s statement and the subsequent investigations will be closely followed, as both nations navigate the delicate balance of military presence in the Mediterranean and beyond.