Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet Encounters Threat from U.S. MQ-9 Drone in Syria

In Syria's Homs Province, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet faced a dangerous close encounter with a U.S. MQ-9 drone. General Yuri Popov, deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, reported the incident, noting that the drone operated at 7,500-8,500 meters above sea level in the vicinity of Al-Suhayli village. Additionally, ten unauthorized military actions were conducted by F-15s, Typhoons, F-16s, and A-10 Thunderbolts in the Tanaf area.

In a tense and unprecedented incident in Syria's Homs province, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet came perilously close to colliding with a US MQ-9 drone on June 28, 2023 [1]. This near-collision occurred during a period of heightened tensions between the two military forces, with numerous incidents reported in the region.

According to Yuri Popov, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, the Russian Su-35 was conducting a routine flight at an altitude of between 7,000 and 8,000 meters when it encountered the US drone [1]. Popov stated that the Russian pilot demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism in avoiding a potentially catastrophic collision.

This incident marks the latest in a series of close encounters between US and Russian military aircraft in Syrian airspace [2]. In March 2022, a Russian Su-27 fighter collided with the rear propeller of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, resulting in the drone's crash into the Black Sea [2]. Additionally, in November 2022, a Russian surface-to-air missile narrowly missed the same US MQ-9 Reaper drone, causing it to sustain damage but safely return to base [2].

The dangerous encounter between the Russian Su-35 and US MQ-9 drone occurred as US-led coalition forces reported ten unauthorized military actions by F-15s, Typhoons, F-16s, and A-10 Thunderbolts in the Tanaf area, where international air routes run [1]. The incident also comes on the heels of four reported shelling attacks on positions of government forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone [1].

As tensions between the two military forces continue to escalate, the risk of such dangerous encounters in Syrian airspace remains high. Both the US and Russia must exercise caution and maintain open lines of communication to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of their personnel and assets.

References:

[1] TASS. (2023, June 25). US-led coalition's MQ-9 Reaper drone dangerously approaches Russian Su-35 in Syria. Retrieved from https://tass.com/defense/1810197

[2] Eurasian Times. (2022, November 19). Russian Su-35, US MQ-9 Reaper drones come too close for comfort in Syria. Retrieved from https://www.eurasiantimes.com/russian-su-35-us-mq-9-reaper-drones-comes/