In 2018, which type of Russian aircraft came within a hazardous distance of a U.S. EP-3?

• A. MiG-29
• B. Tu-95
• C. SU-27
• D. Su-24

Answer: (C)

Close-quarters interception is a role filled by agile air‑to‑air fighters. The Sukhoi Su‑27 is Russia’s classic air‑superiority fighter, designed to maneuver aggressively and close the gap with another aircraft during an intercept while maintaining control and visual contact. In 2018, reports describe a Su‑27 coming within hazardous proximity of a U.S. EP‑3 signals intelligence aircraft, illustrating how a fighter’s handling and intent during an intercept can place another aircraft at risk if distance and timing aren’t carefully managed. The other aircraft listed are either bombers or different fighter types not associated with that particular event; Tu‑95 is a long‑range bomber, Su‑24 is a ground‑attack aircraft, and MiG‑29, while a fighter, was not the one involved in this incident.