Russia unmasks two jet pilots who shot down US Reaper drone as they receive rewards

Russian duo Sergey Popov and Vasily Vavilov, both air force majors, received state awards from the Minister of Defense of Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu

Russian pilots Vasily Vavilov (L) and Serge​y​ Popov (R) were honored after shooting down the drone (

Image: Department of Defense/East2west News)

Russia has revealed the identities of two Su-27 pilots it claims were involved in the downing of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone flying near Crimea.

The pair Sergey Popov and Vasily Vavilov, both Air Force majors, received state awards from the hands of Vladimir Putin's Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu.

The unarmed American MQ-9 Reaper had its tail propeller hit by the Russian fighter jet, which had previously dumped fuel on the unmanned flyer.

The West views the interception as illegal, while Russia describes the pilots as heroes.

America called the incident a "brazen violation of international law", accusing the Russians of "a dangerous and unprofessional interception".

However, the pilots received Orders of Courage, an honor given to many participants in the war started by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.

Russian pilot Vasily Vavilov (

Picture:

Department of Defense / East2west News)

Major Sergey Popov, married with two daughters, said: "We were on combat air defense duty on March 14.

"When an "air" command arrived, two crews took off. We understood that it was an MQ-9 Reaper drone. We transmitted this information to the command post. And then we carried out maneuvers intended to prevent it [the drone] from fulfilling its task.

"We didn't use any ammo or hit the drone."

The other pilot, Major Vasily Vavilov, said: "We were on combat air defense duty when we received the order to take off. Two crews flew to intercept a flying drone with the aim of violate the [Russian] law...