On Thursday, Washington released footage showing Russian military jets shooting down the drone, but Moscow claims the aircraft was shot down after it lost control.
The confrontation fueled tensions between Moscow and Washington.
“Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu presented state awards to Su-27 pilots who prevented an American MQ-9 drone from violating (Russian) temporary airspace,” the ministry said.
Moscow said it had imposed airspace restrictions over the Black Sea as part of its military intervention in Ukraine in line with international norms.
Moscow reiterated on Friday that the pilots “did not use weapons on the plane, did not make contact with the drone and returned safely to their home airport.”
Moscow also reiterated that the drone crashed “as a result of sharp maneuvering”.
The United States uses the MQ-9 for surveillance and strike action and has long operated over the Black Sea keeping an eye on Russian naval forces.
Washington said after the incident that it “will continue to fly and operate wherever international law allows.”
The United States earlier called the incident of the interception of its drone over the Black Sea by Russian warplanes a “brazen violation of international law” caused by “unsafe and unprofessional interception”.
Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov called on Washington on Wednesday to end “hostile flights” near Russia’s borders.
