Footage circulating on social media, reportedly recorded by a Russian pilot, shows Russian fighter jets intercepting a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol plane over the Black Sea.
Russian fighter INTERCEPTS US Navy P-8 Poseidon spy plane over Black Sea
NATO stepped up its activity over the sea this week, including missions near Russia’s Novorossiysk and Sevastopol ports
We see you… pic.twitter.com/f5lKvtqQb5
— RT (@RT_com) August 27, 2025
The video, first posted by the Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber, affiliated with the Russian Air Force, is said to have been recorded on August 27. The aircraft reportedly flew unescorted, an unusual occurrence for reconnaissance missions in the region, which are typically accompanied by NATO fighters.
It is unclear where the Poseidon was intercepted, but according to The Aviationist, it likely occurred south of Crimea, where most Russian interceptions take place. The aircraft involved was possibly a Su-30 Flanker based in Crimea, the same type typically used to intercept intelligence aircraft over the Black Sea.
Flight-tracking data confirmed a Navy P-8A mission over the Black Sea that day, though it is unverified if it was the same aircraft filmed.
AE686F
US Navy P-8A Poseidon returning to Sigonella after a mission over the Black Sea. pic.twitter.com/LcQWO2Cy4F
— Pierre Davide Borrelli (@PierreDavideB) August 27, 2025
“We reserve the right to operate freely in accordance with international laws and norms in international airspace,” a U.S. Navy spokesperson told Newsweek when asked for comment. “Our pilots are trained to be professional and deliberate flying and encountering aircraft in international airspace.”
The Russian defense ministry did not comment on the incident.
The P-8A, adapted from the Boeing 737 airframe, plays a central role in U.S. maritime patrols, submarine hunting, and intelligence gathering.
According to open sources, it is equipped with the AN/APS-154 sensor, regarded as the Navy’s most advanced reconnaissance system, though its performance specifications remain classified.
P-8A 169336 returns from a short flight, showing off a new kit.
It Is now equipped with the AN/APS-154 AAS, and the Lockheed Multi User Objective System. This is now the second P-8 in the Navy fleet with this setup. pic.twitter.com/0qxklubbvw
— 𝗦𝗥_𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 (@SR_Planespotter) April 28, 2025
The encounter follows an August 15 meeting in Alaska between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which failed to produce a ceasefire in Ukraine.
