The incident was the latest in a series of Russian maneuvers intended to disrupt U.S. MQ-9 and engaged his engine’s afterburner, “increasing speed and air pressure, reduced the MQ-9 operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft,” AFCENT said. A Russian fighter also flew in front of a U.S. The actions forced drone operators to conduct “evasive maneuvers,” according to Grynkewich.
In the first incident, the Russian fighters dropped parachute flares in front of the MQ-9s, U.S. Grynkweich condemned Russia’s “dangerous behaviors.”
“These events represent another example of unprofessional and unsafe actions by Russian air forces operating in Syria, which threaten the safety of both Coalition and Russian forces,” Air Forces Central commander Lt.
