Russian fighter jet behaves ‘dangerously toward the French Reaper drone’

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet was involved in a dangerous provocation towards a French Reaper drone over the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday.

The French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported that the Reaper drone was carrying out an observation mission whilst flying over the Mediterranean.

Lecornu said, “The Russian Su-35 fighter jet behaved dangerously toward the French Reaper drone… Three consecutive approaches could have led to the loss of control of the drone.”

He slammed the Russian pilot for his manoeuvre as “intentional, unprofessional, and aggressive,” which is unacceptable.

Lecornu added, “France will continue to take measures to protect freedom of navigation in international air and sea space.”

Dimanche, un avion de chasse SU-35 russe a adopté un comportement dangereux à l’égard d’un drone Reaper français, en mission de surveillance dans l’espace aérien international au dessus de la Méditerranée orientale.

Trois passages successifs à grande proximité, qui auraient pu… pic.twitter.com/sAmMBNNjyU

— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) March 4, 2025