Russians Tracked RC-135 Rivet Joint With Land-Based Radar During Surveillance Mission

A USAF RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was tracked by Russian ground radar and challenged by a Russian fighter in mid July, according to military officials.

CNN reports that on July 18, the U.S. plane was operating in international airspace on a surveillance mission when Russian ground radar began tracking the flight ... which is considered an unusual action. The Russians scrambled at least one fighter, and the RC-135 crew chose the most direct route into Swedish airspace before obtaining permission from Sweden to enter that airspace.

The U.S. is reportedly in talks with Sweden about the incident, letting them know that similar incursions may happen in the future if American aircraft need to quickly divert to avoid Russian aircraft.

The State Department said in a statement that they acknowledged that the U.S. aircraft diverted into Swedish airspace without proper clearance from Swedish authorities, and will take "active steps to ensure we have properly communicated with Swedish authorities in advance to prevent similar issues before they arise."

The incident occurred one day after Malaysian Airlines Flight MH-17 was brought down by a missile in Ukraine.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.state.gov