MOSCOW. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit has reported two cases of dangerous approach of planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces by drones of the U.S.-led coalition.
"Another dangerous approach of a Sukhoi Su-35 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces by a coalition MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle was observed in the Raqqah area at 11:46 a.m. on August 5, the approach was less than 500 meters in height. Besides, three MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles of the coalition dangerously approached a Su-35 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces near Al-Dana at 4:44 p.m. on August 5 by less than 100 meters in height," Kulit said on Saturday.
"Fourteen violations of the deconfliction protocols dated December 9, 2019, by flights of unmanned aerial vehicles uncoordinated with the Russian side were recorded in addition," he said.
The rear admiral reported 16 violations by three pairs of F-16 fighter jets, four pairs of F-35 fighter jets and two MQ-1C multirole drones.
"The flights of coalition unmanned aerial vehicles in those areas were not deconflicted yet again. Russian pilots acted in a highly professional manner and took timely measures to prevent collisions with the coalition drones," Kulit said.