Moscow was likely trying to send a message by harassing a US drone, but officials say the Russian pilot ran into it because they're bad at flying

• A Russian fighter jet harassed a US military MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea this week.
• Engagements like these are likely part of what one think tank says are calculated Russian tactics.
• But US officials said the fighter pilot demonstrated a "lack of competence" by clipping the drone. 

A Russian fighter jet dumped fuel on and then clipped a US military drone operating over the Black Sea this week in what looks like a botched attempt at aggressive messaging. The American aircraft ultimately crashed into the waters below as a damaged Russian plane landed elsewhere.