Kerry: Navy destroyer could have ‘shot down’ Russian fighter jets

America’s top diplomat condemned a close encounter between Russian fighter jets and a U.S. Navy destroyer, saying his nation’s military could have opened fire under the rules of engagement.

Secretary of State John Kerry described Russia’s action as “reckless and provocative.”

Initial reports indicate two encounters in the Baltic Sea between the Navy missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and two Russian jets. In one of the incidents Tuesday night in international waters, a Russian jet flew within 75 feet of the ship.

“It’s unprofessional and under the rules of engagement that could have been a shot down, so people need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated in high seas,” he told CNN en Espa?ol.

“We respect our freedom of navigation … and we are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is.”

Russia has defended its actions. Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told state media news agency Tass, that Russia acted “in accordance with international rules” when its unarmed fighter jets buzzed the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.

‘Aggressive maneuvers’

When the Russian aircraft was within close proximity of the ship, it showed “multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers,” according to the U.S. European Command.

“We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers,” the statement said.

The ship, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, had a Polish helicopter on board as part of routine training, according to a U.S. official. This led to speculation Russia was “sending a message to Poland.”

A U.S. official described the Russian maneuver as “strafing runs” without firing any weapons.

The Pentagon has requested $582.7 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. A healthy chunk of that money would go to acquiring new hardware, including F-35 fighter jets. The Pentagon is requesting $10.1 billion for F-35s in three variants: 43 F-35As for the Air Force, 16 F-35Bs for the Marine Corps and four F-35Cs for the Navy.

F/A-18 Hornet —

The budget request also includes two F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

MQ-4C Triton —

The Pentagon wants $759 million for two MQ-4C Tritons. It says the drones will "maximize capabilities and extend the reach of our airborne systems."

P-8A Poseidon —

The request includes $2.2 billion to buy P-8A Poseidons -- modified Boeing 737s designed to be submarine hunters.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer —

The Pentagon wants $3.2 billion to buy two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.

America-class amphibious assault ship —

One America-class amphibious assault ship is included in the Navy's 2017 budget. Amphibious assault ships can deploy aircraft, including the new F-35 fighter jets.

Virginia-class attack submarine —

The request includes $5.2 billion to buy two Virginia-class attack submarines. Here, a dolphin swims in front of the USS John Warner during its sea trials in May.

Littoral combat ship —

The budget request includes money for two littoral combat ships like the USS Little Rock, shown here after it was christened in 2015. The 2017 budget stipulates that the Navy will reduce its planned littoral combat ship/fast frigate procurement from 52 ships to 40.

KC-46A Pegasus —

The Pentagon wants $3.1 billion to buy 15 KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers. The refueling boom on the Pegasus can pump 1,200 gallons of fuel per minute into another aircraft.

C-130J —

Eleven C-130J aircraft, of various configurations, are included in the Air Force's 2017 budget request.

A-10 Thunderbolt —

The Pentagon won't be buying any new A-10 Thunderbolt attack jets, but the budget request includes money that would delay the aircraft's retirement until 2022.

Black Hawk helicopter —

The Pentagon is asking for $1 billion to buy 36 Black Hawk helicopters.

Apache helicopter —

The request includes $1.1 billion for 52 Apache attack helicopters.

Joint Light Tactical Vehicles —

The request includes $735 million for 2,020 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for the Army and Marines. The JLTVs are intended to replace Humvees.

Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request

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The flight operations by the Polish helicopter were interrupted because one of the overflights was so close.

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Related video Russian fighter jets fly over U.S. destroyer.

The Cook had been shadowed by a Russian intelligence-gathering ship for some time before the aircraft encounter. The U.S. crew had radioed the Russian ship, according to the official.

There are often encounters between U.S. ships and aircraft and their Russian counterparts, but there is minimal concern as long as they are conducted safely.

Close encounters increasing

Close encounters between Russian military aircraft and U.S. warships have become increasingly common in recent months. In October, U.S. Navy jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying near the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Pacific Ocean.

In June, a Russian jet flew within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of a U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailing in the Black Sea near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine.

The Russian aerial maneuvers come as tensions rise on NATO’s eastern flank.

Russian fighter jet.

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In February, the U.S. Department of Defense announced it was spending $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative in an effort to deter Russian aggression against NATO allies.

In recent weeks, the United States has deployed additional military assets throughout Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

CNN’s Barbara Starr and Alla Eshchenko contributed to this report