British ‘spy plane’ gathers intelligence near Russian forces
By Lisa West 1athers int
By
A British RC-135 Rivet Joint, the RAF’s premier signals intelligence
aircraft, has once again been deployed on a critical reconnaissance mission
over the Black Sea, monitoring Russian military movements amid heightened
tensions in the region.
The flight, which took place under the watchful eye of
both NATO and Russian air defence networks, saw the Rivet Joint traverse
international airspace along the Ukrainian coastline, gathering crucial
electronic and communications intelligence.
The aircraft, operated by No. 51 Squadron, is part of
the UK’s ongoing efforts to provide intelligence support to Ukraine and NATO
allies as the war enters another decisive phase.
Electronic Warfare at the Frontline
The RC-135W Rivet Joint, a highly modified Boeing
aircraft, is one of the most sophisticated intelligence-gathering platforms in
the world. Packed with an array of advanced sensors, it has the ability to
intercept and analyse enemy communications, radar emissions, and electronic
signatures, building a real-time picture of battlefield conditions.
During this latest mission, the Rivet Joint is
believed to have monitored Russian naval activity in the Black Sea, as well as
the movement of air defence systems and military communications along occupied
territories in Crimea and southern Ukraine.
The mission unfolded against the backdrop of continued
Russian air and naval operations, with Moscow recently deploying additional air
defence assets along the Crimean Peninsula. The Rivet Joint’s ability to map
these systems and track Russian activity provides an invaluable advantage to
Ukrainian forces preparing for possible escalations.
Russian Scrambles and Close Encounters
In previous missions, Russian Su-27 and Su-30 fighter
jets have been scrambled to shadow or intercept NATO reconnaissance flights
over the Black Sea. While this latest operation appears to have proceeded
without a direct confrontation, past incidents—including a Russian jet
releasing flares near a British surveillance aircraft in 2022—highlight the
inherent risks involved in such operations.
The UK’s continued deployment of RC-135s to
the region underscores its commitment to intelligence-sharing and deterrence at
a time when Russian forces are intensifying operations against Ukraine.
Though carried out in international airspace, missions like this serve as a
stark reminder that the Black Sea remains one of the most contested airspaces
in the world. With tensions unlikely to ease anytime soon, British intelligence
flights will continue to play a key role in monitoring, deterring, and
preparing for whatever comes next.
This isn’t new
This isn’t a new occurrence—in fact, it is quite
routine. The UK has been gathering intelligence about Russian forces since long
before the invasion of Ukraine. It should be noted that these
flights are designed to be visible so that the public and Russia know they’re
happening. If it were a secret, I would not know. Also, for
those remarking, ‘this isn’t new’, that’s right, but people only know this
often happens because it is reported often.
What does the RC-135W do?
The RC-135W Rivet Joint and its sensors are designed
to undertake ‘signals intelligence’ missions. In other words, they ‘soak up’
electronic emissions from communications, radars and other systems.
According
to the Royal Air Force website, the RC-135W Rivet Joint is a dedicated electronic surveillance
aircraft that can be employed in all theatres on strategic and tactical missions.
Its sensors ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar and other
systems.
“RC-135W
Rivet Joint employs multidiscipline Weapons System Officer (WSO) and Weapons
System Operator (WSOp) specialists whose mission is to survey elements of the
electromagnetic spectrum in order to derive intelligence for commanders.”
The Royal Air Force say that Rivet Joint has been
deployed extensively for Operation Shader and on other operational taskings. It
had been formally named Airseeker, but is almost universally known in service
as the RC-135W Rivet Joint.
The UK operates three of these aircraft.
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