Tensions between France and Russia just got a little more heated after a dangerous encounter in the sky. On March 2, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet reportedly acted aggressively toward a French MQ-9 Reaper drone flying over international waters in the eastern Mediterranean. France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, took to social media to call out the incident, describing the Russian pilot’s behavior as “intentional, unprofessional, and aggressive.”
According to Lecornu, the Russian jet made three close passes near the French drone, getting so dangerously close that it could have caused the unmanned aircraft to lose control. This kind of maneuver isn’t just reckless—it’s seen as an attempt to intimidate and restrict free movement in shared airspace. Despite the threat, France remains firm in its commitment to defending the right to navigate freely in international skies and waters.
This isn’t the first time Russian jets have clashed with drones. In March 2023, two Russian Su-27 fighter jets forced down a U.S. Air Force Reaper drone over the Black Sea in a similarly aggressive encounter. These kinds of incidents have only added to the rising tensions between Moscow and Western nations, especially as France continues to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The latest showdown has sparked a lot of reactions. Ukrainian World Congress Vice President Volodymyr Kogutyak condemned Russia’s actions, urging unity and strength in the face of these provocations. Meanwhile, some voices from France’s political spectrum have criticized the government’s response, showing the divisive impact of these international incidents.
As tensions escalate, NATO isn’t taking any chances. The alliance has already boosted its defenses, launching new initiatives to better protect its airspace and strengthen its overall security. With the situation growing more delicate, the world watches closely to see how France and its allies will respond if Russia pushes the limits again.
