Russia Claims U.S. Spy Plane Spotted Near Black Sea Border

MosNews | November 16 2004

A U.S. surveillance plane making a flight near Russia’s Black Sea coast turned back after Russia sent a fighter jet to investigate, Russia’s Air Force spokesman said Tuesday.

Colonel Aleksandr Drobyshevsky said Monday’s incident involved a U.S. Orion plane based on the Greek island of Crete, the Interfax news agency reported.

The plane was spotted about 10 kilometers (6 miles) off the Russian border, Drobyshevsky was quoted as saying. It did not respond to queries from the ground and a Su-27 fighter plane was sent to intercept it. The Orion then increased speed and left the area around the border, Drobyshevsky reportedly said.

Drobyshevsky’s office could not immediately be reached for further comment.

The Orion, a four-engine turboprop, is used as a maritime surveillance craft and is equipped with submarine detectors.

---------------------------

E mail your comment on this article to prisonplanetweb@hotmail.com and have it posted here.