New: US is assessing drone ops over the Black Sea following harassment by Russian jets, 4 US officials tell CNN. US is “taking a close look” at the drones’ routes and assessing how to better deconflict w/ the Russians. W/my colleagues @NatashaBertrand @OrenCNN 1/
2/ The US has not stopped the flights entirely amid the assessment—the military sent the same model of drone, an MQ-9 Reaper, on a mission in approximately the same area over the Black Sea shortly after the collision occurred.
3/ However, the Pentagon has asked European Command to justify surveillance flights in the area going forward in part to assess risk, a senior US military official said.
4/ Officials also plan to analyze the overall costs and benefits of flying these missions, comparing the potential intelligence value of a particular route versus the risk of escalation with Russia.
5/ There is concern among some in the US military that limiting routes will impact intelligence gathering related to the Ukraine war.
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