The statement said that Russian pilots had repeatedly crossed the B52’s nose within 100 feet and that the B-52 had also been shaken, the statement said.
“Such actions increase the likelihood of moderate collisions, are unnecessary and inconsistent with good aircraft and international flight rules,” said Jeff Herrigien, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Africa in Europe.
“When Russian aircraft were operating in international airspace, they endangered the safety of the flight of the aircraft involved. We expect them to operate in accordance with established international standards to ensure safety and prevent accidents,” he said.
In Europe, the U.S. Amid ongoing tensions with Russia following the recent decision to reduce military levels and questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to the alliance, there was a demonstration of American military capability.
The US commitment to NATO has been called into question following repeated criticism from member states for failing to meet President Donald Trump’s target of 2% of GDP on defense.
Trump instructed the Pentagon to significantly reduce the number of U.S. troops in Germany, many of whom returned to the U.S., saying Berlin was due to its failure to spend 2% of its GDP on defense.
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