A British RC-135 Rivet Joint, the Royal Air Force’s premier signals intelligence aircraft, has conducted a critical surveillance mission over the Black Sea, gathering intelligence on Russian military activity amid rising tensions in the region.
Flying in international airspace along the Ukrainian coast, the aircraft collected valuable data on Russian air defence systems, naval movements, and military communications. The flight, carried out by No. 51 Squadron from RAF Waddington, occurred under close observation by both NATO and Russian monitoring systems.
The RC-135W Rivet Joint is among the most advanced intelligence-gathering platforms in the world. Outfitted with sophisticated sensors and intercept technology, it can capture and analyse radar signals, electronic communications, and encrypted transmissions, building a near real-time map of enemy capabilities.
Defence sources suggest the latest operation focused on the Crimean Peninsula and occupied regions in southern Ukraine, where Russia has reportedly bolstered its defences with advanced missile systems and electronic warfare assets.
The mission comes at a moment of heightened Russian military activity in the region. Recent deployments of S-400 systems and increased naval operations in the Black Sea have raised concerns among NATO allies.
Though the aircraft remained in international airspace throughout its mission, Russian fighter jets reportedly tracked its movements, a common response to NATO reconnaissance in the area.
The UK’s continued deployment of the Rivet Joint demonstrates its commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining regional security. Intelligence gathered on these missions is considered vital to understanding Russian strategy and providing Ukrainian forces with critical early-warning capabilities.
As tensions persist, the UK is expected to continue such intelligence flights alongside its NATO allies, reinforcing surveillance and deterrence efforts across Eastern Europe.
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