Two Russian Sukhoi Su-24 jets flew ‘simulated attacks’ on US warship USS Donald Cook

The US military has said that Russian warplanes flew a “simulated attack” near American warship the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. The Russian Air Force allegedly flew a number of “unsafe and unprofessional” flights near the guided missile destroyer with one Russian Sukhoi Su-24 coming within 30ft (nine metres) of the ship.

 

According to unnamed officials it was so close the jets created “a wake in the water” near the vessel. The flights, by Su-24s and Ka-27 Helix anti-submarine helicopters, took place on 11 and 12 April in international waters off the coast of Poland, about 70 nautical miles off Kaliningrad.

 

US officials say that on 11 April, 20 passes were said to have been made at the USS Donald Cook by two Russian Su-24s coming within 1,000 yards at an altitude of just 100ft. The next day the “simulated attack profile” was said to have taken place – with aerial movements mimicking a real attack.

 

A Russian jet was said to have flown just 30ft (9 metres) above the warship during one operation. Two Russian Ka-27 Helix anti-submarine helicopters have also been accused of circling the ship seven times and taking photos.

 

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