BREAKING: Russian jets ‘simulate attack’ on US warships in international waters

RUSSIAN jets have buzzed a US naval destroyer, performing a "simulated attack" on the warship which was operating in international waters, American defence officials have said.

Two Su-24 jets flew so close to the US vessel that a wake was created in the water, the defence official added.

A Russian Ka-27 Helix helicopter was also involved in the incidents, flying seven circles around the destroyer while taking pictures.

The first, on April 11, involved two SU24s after the ship left the Polish port of Gdynia.

The vessel was 70 nautical miles from Kaliningrad in the Baltic Sea when the jets made 20 passes of the ship, flying within 1,000 yards at an altitude of 100 feet.

In a second incident a day later, two Russian Helix helicopters flew circles around the ship before two Su-24s made close passes in what was described as a "Simulated Attack Profile."

The official described it as one of the most aggressive acts in recent memory.

The Su-24 jets, which are also deployed in the fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, were reportedly not armed but flew close enough to cause a swell.

The incident took place in international waters off the coast of Russia and involved the USS Donald Cook, a guided missile destroyer.

Russian jets have been involved in a number of 'buzzing' actions in recewnt years, flying close to UK airspace and forcing British aircraft to escort them away.