Today, two Russian Su-27 fighter jets unsafely and unprofessionally intercepted a US Air Force MQ-9 drone, which was conducting reconnaissance in the international airspace over the Black Sea, reports the United States European Command (EUCOM).

At approximately 7:03am, one of the Russian Su-27 aircrafts hit the propeller of the MQ-9 drone, as a result of which US forces were forced to shoot down the MQ-9 in international waters, EUCOM said in a statement.

US Air Force General James Hecker, Commander of the US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, also commented on the situation.

The American MQ-9 drone was performing a routine mission in international airspace when it was intercepted and shot down by a Russian aircraft, resulting in the crash and total loss of the MQ-9, Hacker said.

US and allied planes will continue to operate in the international airspace, and they call on the Russians to behave professionally and safely, he added.