Russian fighter jets get close to US destroyer

Unarmed Russian fighter jets made two extremely close overflights this week of the USS Donald Cook, sailing in the Baltic Sea. 
The Cook "encountered multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers by Russian aircraft that were performed within close proximity of the ship," according to a statement by European Command. 
"We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers," the statement said. 
One of the Russian jets flew within 75 feet of the Cook's ship superstructure. 
The initial reports indicated the two concerning encounters occurred Tuesday night in international waters. A third overflight, at a more acceptable distance, happened Sunday, according to a US official. 
A US official described the Russian maneuver as "strafing runs" without firing any weapons. The unarmed Russian aircraft swooped in over the deck in the same flight profile that would have been used if an attack was underway. 
A second US defense official told (CNN) that the overflights were conducted by a Russian SU-24 and helicopter. Flight operations by the Polish helicopter were interrupted because one of the overflights was so close. 
"Any peacetime military activity must be consistent with international laws and norms," the White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. He said there had been "repeated incidents" over the last year in which the Russian military planes have come close to other air and sea traffic in "provocative" actions. 
"We continue to be concerned about this behavior," Earnest said.

Source: QNA