Russian fighter jet (illustrative)
Russian fighter jet (illustrative)Reuters

According to Fox News, a US defense official reported that a Russian fighter jet flew provocatively close to a US Navy spy plane this evening (Wednesday).

According to the official, the Russian Su-27 Flanker flew within 10 feet of the US Navy P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance plane while it was on a routine patrol in international airspace.

The Pentagon said that the standoff between the two planes lasted 19 minutes.

"We have concerns when there is an unsafe maneuver like this. These actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions, and could result in a miscalculation or accident," Navy Captain Jeff A. Davis said.

Russian officials have reportedly denied violating any international protocols, according to Fox News.