To Evade Russians, Plane Crossed Into Sweden

American Plane Crossed Into Sweden To Evade Russian Fighters
IN FLIGHT - UNDATED: This undated U.S. Air Force handout image shows a RC-135 Reconnaissance plane used to gather 'imagery intelligence (IMINT), telemetry intelligence (TELINT), and signals intelligence (SIGINT).' According to news reports four North Korean fighter aircraft intercepted a U.S. Air Force RC-135 flying over the Sea of Japan on March 2, 2003. (Photo by Greg Davis/U.S. Air Force/Getty Images)
IN FLIGHT - UNDATED: This undated U.S. Air Force handout image shows a RC-135 Reconnaissance plane used to gather 'imagery intelligence (IMINT), telemetry intelligence (TELINT), and signals intelligence (SIGINT).' According to news reports four North Korean fighter aircraft intercepted a U.S. Air Force RC-135 flying over the Sea of Japan on March 2, 2003. (Photo by Greg Davis/U.S. Air Force/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — In an encounter reminiscent of the Cold War, an American reconnaissance plane crossed into Swedish airspace last month as it sought to avoid being intercepted by Russian fighters, American military officials said on Sunday.

The episode, which was disclosed only in recent days, occurred on July 18 when Russian aircraft approached an Air Force RC-135 electronic surveillance plane as it was flying in what American officials said was international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot