Russian jet ‘released missile’ near RAF aircraft during patrol over Black Sea

A missile was released from a Russian jet fighter near an unarmed RAF plane on a routine patrol over the Black Sea, the defence secretary has said.

Ben Wallace said it happened on 29 September and that Russia has acknowledged the incident took place in international airspace.

Russia said the incident was a “technical malfunction”.

The British defence secretary called it “potentially dangerous”.

UK patrols over the Black Sea were initially suspended, but have now resumed and are escorted by fighter aircraft, Mr Wallace added.

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