Russian fighter intercepts US reconnaissance plane over Chukchi Sea

MOSCOW - A Russian MiG-31 fighter intercepted a US reconnaissance plane above the Chukchi Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Russian radars detected an air target approaching Russian borders over the Chukchi Sea, and a MiG-31 of the Russian Pacific Fleet took off in response, the ministry said.

The crew of the Russian jet identified the air target as a US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and then escorted it over the sea.

After the US aircraft flew away from the Russian border, the MiG-31 safely returned to its airfield, according to the ministry.