Breaking News
Tensions in Mediterranean with Russian Su-35 Fighters Dangerously Threaten a French Reaper Drone.
An incident involving a Russian Su-35 fighter jet and a French MQ-9 Reaper drone occurred on 2 March 2025, in international airspace over the Eastern Mediterranean. The Russian aircraft reportedly engaged in dangerous maneuvers, repeatedly approaching the drone at close range, potentially compromising its stability in flight. This event takes place amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations, where freedom of air and maritime navigation remains a key strategic issue. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, interactions between Russian and Western aircraft have increased, leading to repeated incidents and aerial harassment.
The Russian Su-35 carried out three successive close passes near the French drone, a maneuver that could have resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft (Picture source: French MoD)
According to the French MoD, the Su-35 carried out three successive close passes near the MQ-9 Reaper French drone, a maneuver that could have resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft. Such actions appear to be aimed at restricting freedom of movement in international airspace, adding to a series of similar incidents involving Russian and Western military aircraft in recent years. The extreme proximity of flight paths and the behavior of the Russian pilot raise concerns about the safety of surveillance operations in the region. French forces routinely conduct missions in this area to ensure compliance with international law and regional stability, aligning with broader efforts to protect strategic interests in the Mediterranean.
This type of maneuver is perceived as deliberate and unprofessional, reflecting an aggressive posture that increases the risk of aerial incidents. Through drone deployments, the French military conducts surveillance operations to uphold freedom of navigation in international air and maritime spaces. These missions are carried out in coordination with allies and partners, in response to actions that could jeopardize both military and civilian aviation safety in this strategically sensitive area. The recurrence of such confrontations adds to tensions between Moscow and Western forces, raising questions about the most appropriate diplomatic and military responses to these provocations.
In response to this episode, France has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the right to free movement in shared spaces while continuing its operations in compliance with international regulations. This incident highlights the importance of structured military dialogue to prevent uncontrolled escalation. The lack of effective communication channels between opposing air forces increases the risk of serious incidents, which could lead to diplomatic crises that are difficult to manage. In a geopolitical context already marked by high instability, such interactions underscore the need to establish clear limits to prevent further deterioration in relations between Russia and Western powers.
The Eastern Mediterranean has become a space where military, strategic, and energy-related issues intertwine, making the region a theater of increasing tensions between rival powers. With the presence of numerous actors, including Russia, the United States, France, Turkey, and several Middle Eastern nations, this maritime area is a key point for freedom of navigation and power projection. Naval and air forces are regularly deployed to monitor adversary movements, escort convoys, or secure critical infrastructure such as hydrocarbon supply routes. The Eastern Mediterranean is also the primary passage for the transport of natural gas from Israeli and Cypriot exploitation fields, further fueling rivalries between nations seeking to assert their influence over this strategic route.
The military engagement of Western powers in the region, notably France and the United States, is partly aimed at ensuring stability and deterring any actions that could disrupt maritime circulation. However, Russia, which until recently maintained a military base in Syria and a Black Sea fleet capable of operating in the Mediterranean, had been intensifying its presence and multiplying shows of force, including naval exercises and aerial interceptions. These operations were part of Moscow’s broader effort to challenge Western influence in this strategic region while protecting its interests in Syria and consolidating its regional alliances. Aerial and maritime incidents, such as the interception of a French drone by a Russian Su-35, illustrated the growing climate of tensions and the risk of escalation between rival forces operating in close proximity.
However, the situation in Syria has recently undergone major upheavals. In December 2024, a swift offensive by rebels led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, forcing him to flee to Russia. This development has significantly affected Russia’s military presence in Syria. The new Syrian authorities have not severed ties with Moscow nor demanded a complete withdrawal of Russian forces, but they have canceled certain contracts, including the one granting a Russian company control over the port of Tartus. Russian troops have retreated to their main stronghold, the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia, though a total evacuation is not currently planned
These dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean echo the escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea, where Russia regularly defies restrictions imposed by NATO and the European Union. Between aggressive overflights, ship interceptions, and suspected sabotage of underwater infrastructure, the confrontation between Moscow and Western nations is becoming increasingly global. In both regions, the main issues revolve around control of strategic routes, energy resources, and military influence, further intensifying the rivalry between Russia and its Western adversaries on multiple simultaneous fronts.
Encounters between MQ-9 Reaper drones and Russian Su-35 fighters have become increasingly frequent in recent years, particularly in Syrian airspace and over the Black Sea. One of the most notable incidents occurred on March 14, 2023, when a Russian Su-27 collided with the propeller of a U.S. Reaper, forcing the drone to crash into the Black Sea. Similarly, in July 2023, a Reaper operating in Syria sustained significant damage after being intercepted by a Su-35, which deployed flares nearby, striking the drone’s propeller and compromising its functionality. Such incidents have continued, notably on June 21 and June 27, 2024, when Su-35s engaged in aggressive maneuvers near U.S. Reaper drones over Homs province, compelling the drones to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
These dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean echo the escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea, where Russia regularly defies restrictions imposed by NATO and the European Union. Between aggressive overflights, ship interceptions, and suspected sabotage of underwater infrastructure, the confrontation between Moscow and Western nations is becoming increasingly global. In both regions, the main issues revolve around control of strategic routes, energy resources, and military influence, further intensifying the rivalry between Russia and its Western adversaries on multiple simultaneous fronts.
These tense interactions reflect a broader dynamic in which Russia and Western forces engage in a contest for influence in disputed airspaces. In Syria, the near-constant presence of U.S. drones, operating without authorization from Damascus, is viewed by Moscow as an infringement on Syrian sovereignty and a potential threat to Russian military assets. These incidents underscore the increasing militarization of airspace interactions between rival powers, elevating the risk of an uncontrolled confrontation that could escalate into a significant diplomatic crisis.