MOSCOW 

A US Р-8А Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted while approaching the Russian border, the country's Defense Ministry said on Friday. 

The incident happened over the Norwegian Sea, as a MiG-31 fighter jet from the air defense duty of the Northern Fleet forces was lifted into the air to prevent the violation of the state border, the ministry said in a statement.

"The crew of the Russian fighter jet MiG-31 identified the aerial target as a US Navy P-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft. At the approach of the MiG-31, an American military aircraft performed a U-turn. Violation of the state border of the Russian Federation was prevented," the ministry said.

The flight of the Russian fighter jet was carried out in strict accordance with the international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters without crossing air routes and dangerous approach to an aircraft of a foreign state, it said.