Russian fighter jets intercept British RAF planes over Black Sea on two separate occasions

The incident comes as relations between the two countries remain at a historic low over the Ukraine war and longstanding spying allegations.

A Russian Su-35 fighter approached the Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, getting close enough to trigger its emergency systems, disabling its autopilot.

The encounter saw Russian jets come within 6 metres of the RAF

A Russian jet flew just six metres away from the nose of the unarmed Rivet Joint, and carried out a further six passes in front.