Russian fighter jet CRASHES in Mediterranean after taking off from aircraft carrier that sparked Royal Navy stand-off in the Channel

A RUSSIAN fighter jet has crashed into the Mediterranean after launching from an aircraft carrier near the coast of Syria yesterday, it has been reported.

Three Russian MiG-29 fighter jets took off from their Soviet-era aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, and flew in the direction of Syria, two US officials told Fox News.

However, once airborne, one of the jets turned back towards the carrier after appearing to struggle with mechanical difficulties.

But the plane came crashing down in the water while trying to touch down.

A Russian rescue helicopter picked up the pilot, who bailed out, it was said.

The pilot's status was unclear, the officials said.

The carrier from which the planes launched was the same one which sparked a dramatic stand-off with the Royal Navy last month when it sailed past England.

Eight Russian vessels led by the nuclear powered Admiral Kuznetsov steamed through the Channel in October on their way to Syria.

Royal Navy warships were readied to intercept the fleet which passed within miles of the British coast.

But former navy head Admiral Lord West dismissed the whole saga as “a bit of a willy waving”.

He told The Sun: “It’s to show that he can do what the West can do.”

The Russian ships arrived at the Syrian coast a few days ago, with the carrier’s commander say they were “carrying out tasks, manoeuvering to the west of the Syrian coast”.

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