RAF Rivet Joint on first operational deployment over Iraq
The UK Royal Air Force has deployed its first Boeing RC-135W
Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft to support
operations over Iraq – the first operational deployment
of the type since its delivery in November 2013.
Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft to support
operations over Iraq – the first operational deployment
of the type since its delivery in November 2013.
The aircraft was delivered under the UK’s Airseeker effort, which
will see the RAF operate three converted KC-135Rs in line with the
US Air Force's Rivet Joint force.
will see the RAF operate three converted KC-135Rs in line with the
US Air Force's Rivet Joint force.
The deployed jet is stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where it is
positioned to easily deploy over northern Iraq to support the
humanitarian effort under way in the nation.
positioned to easily deploy over northern Iraq to support the
humanitarian effort under way in the nation.
Crown Copyright
Islamic State militants have forced religious minorities from northern
Iraq on to Mount Sinjar, which has resulted in humanitarian efforts
by the USA and UK, among other nations, to provide aid.
Iraq on to Mount Sinjar, which has resulted in humanitarian efforts
by the USA and UK, among other nations, to provide aid.
The UK has also deployed two Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical
transports in support of the aid effort, as well as a “small number”
of Panavia Tornado GR4s carrying the Rafael Litening III
reconnaissance and targeting pod. Boeing CH-47 Chinook
transport helicopters have also been deployed to Akrotiri.
transports in support of the aid effort, as well as a “small number”
of Panavia Tornado GR4s carrying the Rafael Litening III
reconnaissance and targeting pod. Boeing CH-47 Chinook
transport helicopters have also been deployed to Akrotiri.
It is believed the RAF's Rivet Joint was deployed in July –
weeks before the other RAF aircraft movements – although
defence minister Michael Fallon only announced its involvement
on 16 August.
weeks before the other RAF aircraft movements – although
defence minister Michael Fallon only announced its involvement
on 16 August.
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