Russian Fighter Comes Within 7 Metres Of US Plane

A war of words has erupted after a Russian fighter jet allegedly flew within 7 metres (23 feet) of a US Air Force surveillance aircraft.

Washington has described the actions of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and its pilot as "reckless, unsafe and unprofessional".

The incident took place during a flight by a USAF Boeing RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea.

The Pentagon has confirmed that is has officially complained to the Kremlin, who, for its part claims the aircraft was flying towards Russian airspace with no transponder switched on.

US officials say the Russian fighter flew past the Boeing at high speed, approaching unseen from the rear, before conducting two more close proximity passes.

Speaking to the Moscow media Major-General Igor Konashenkov confirmed the Su-27 had flown around the surveillance plane several times to ascertain its type and nationality before adding "As to the professional qualities of our pilots, this is something for the Russian military command to assess".