(Newswire.net — October 30, 2016) — A Russian fighter jet flew closer than half of a mile, which represents a potential collision risk in crowded Syrian airspace, AFP reported.
US officials reported Friday that a “near miss” over eastern Syria occurred late on October 17. According to US defense officials, the Russian military jet was escorting Russian warplanes when it suddenly approached the US warplane dangerously close.
The incident highlights the risks of midair collisions amid the increasingly crowded airspace over Syria. An unidentified source told the AFP that the Russian fighter jet passed so close that the US pilot felt turbulence from his plane.
“It was close enough you could feel the jet wash of the plane passing by,” the official said.
The near miss was unintentional and occurred because of the flight conditions. It is possible that the Russian pilot didn’t see the US jet either on radar or visually. Warplanes were flying without lights and it was dark.
Military jets on both sides, however, have powerful radars and the capability to fly under cover of the night like it is broad daylight. Also, pilots have support that constantly monitors surrounding airspace, and did not report any stealth jets.
Despite modern technology, incidents like this one do happen, especially when sharing the same airspace, according to the authorities. Due to this, the US command established a hotline with Russia last year in order to discuss the approximate locations and plan the missions.
In this case, however, the American pilot tried to reach the Russian jet via an emergency radio channel but was unsuccessful, the AFP reported.
The hotline became really hot the next day after US command demanded an explanation. The Russians did provide some answers but it all came down to a statement that “the pilot didn’t see” the American plane.
US officials stated that incident like this one occur approximately every 10 days. Though the incidents were often described in the media as intentional provocation, it is not “something that was done with nefarious intent” said coalition spokesman Colonel John Dorrian on Friday
US officers contacted their Russian counterparts after the incidents. “Typically, it’s not a very satisfying answer,” General Jeff Harrigian said in a video-conference from Baghdad.