United Kingdom sends surveillance aircraft to monitor Russian forces in Ukraine (X @RoyalAirForce)
The Royal Air Force has deployed an RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, escorted by two Typhoon fighter jets, to monitor Russian forces in occupied Ukraine.
This aircraft specializes in signals intelligence, capturing electronic emissions from communications, radars, and other systems. These missions are designed to be visible, ensuring that both the public and Russia are aware of their presence.
These reconnaissance flights are not new and have been part of the United Kingdom’s intelligence operations for a long time, even before the invasion of Ukraine. The frequency of these reports demonstrates that they are a routine part of British military operations.
The RC-135W is an aircraft dedicated to electronic surveillance, operated by specialists who analyze signals from the electromagnetic spectrum to provide strategic information to commanders. Used in various operations, such as Operation Shader, it was once called Airseeker but is widely known as Rivet Joint. Currently, the United Kingdom has three of these aircraft in operation.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The RC-135W Rivet Joint is one of the most advanced surveillance aircraft in the world.
Its sensors soak up electronic emissions from communications, radar and other systems.
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— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) February 4, 2025
