Russian fighter jets escorted five US and French military aircraft over the Black Sea, the National Defense Control Center of Russia reported.
According to RIA Novosti, three Su-27 fighters from the air defense duty of the Southern Military District forces were lifted into the air.
Two Mirage 2000 and Rafale tactical fighters of the French Air Force, a CL-600 Artemis reconnaissance aircraft of the US Army, a RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft of the US Air Force and a KS-135 tanker aircraft of the French Air Force were identified and escorted over the Black Sea.
It is noted that the Russian fighters returned to the home airfield after the reversal of foreign military aircraft from the state border of Russia. There was no violation of the border.
The NCSO added that the flights of Russian fighters were carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace.
Earlier, Russian Su-27 fighters escorted the Dassault Mirage 2000 and Dassault Rafale fighters, as well as the C-135 tanker aircraft of the French Aerospace Forces over the Black Sea.