Two of the Royal Air Force’s most advanced surveillance aircraft have flown a 12-hour mission skimming along Russia’s western border, a powerful signal of NATO unity as tensions continue to simmer in Eastern Europe.
An RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence jet and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft covered nearly 10,000 miles, tracing a line from the High North down towards Belarus and Ukraine.
The operation, conducted alongside the US Air Force and NATO allies, was supported by an American KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, enabling the RAF aircraft to stay airborne for the full 12-hour mission.
‘A Message to Putin’
Defence Secretary John Healey hailed the mission as a major demonstration of Allied strength.
“This was a substantial joint mission with our US and NATO allies. Not only does this provide valuable intelligence to boost operational awareness, but it sends a powerful message of NATO unity to Putin and our adversaries.”
The long-range patrol comes amid a rise in Russian incursions into NATO airspace, with recent incidents reported in Poland, Romania and Estonia.
Listening, Watching, Defending
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is one of the RAF’s most sophisticated intelligence platforms, capable of intercepting military communications and tracking signals across the electromagnetic spectrum. Meanwhile, the P-8A Poseidon, fitted for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, flew its route along the Baltic Sea, an increasingly tense frontier zone between NATO and Russia.
Group Captain Matthew D’Aubyn, head of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), said the mission was proof of NATO’s readiness.
“Missions like this demonstrate NATO’s unity and readiness to defend its members against any aggression.
Our ability to operate seamlessly with USAF assets underscores the strength of the alliance.”
He added that the RAF remains fully committed to working with its allies to secure NATO airspace and maintain stability across Europe’s eastern flank.
This latest sortie underscores both the reach and resilience of Britain’s air power, and NATO’s determination to stand firm in the face of growing Russian provocation.
