A U.S. U-2 reconnaissance aircraft made its arrival in the UK this morning, soaring over Scotland at an altitude of 60,000 feet before descending over Wales and landing at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire just before 11 a.m.
The fleet of U-2 Dragon Ladies are typically based at Beale AFB in California however their squadrons operate aircraft around the world from forward operating bases, this is part of that and is likely nothing more than an airframe being swapped.
The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron operates two detachments, one at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and the other here at RAF Fairford, where aircraft have been based for a number of years, but regardless, it’s still cool to see these pop up on tracking apps.
The high-altitude aircraft, known for its distinctive black silhouette and legendary operational history, underscores the strategic cooperation between the UK and the United States.
A U.S. U-2 reconnaissance aircraft made its arrival in the UK this morning, soaring over Scotland at an altitude of 60,000 feet before descending over Wales and landing at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire just before 11 a.m. pic.twitter.com/83pOPbPRW5
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) January 14, 2025
The aircraft departed from its U.S. base earlier in the day, taking a route over the North Atlantic before entering UK airspace. Flying at an operational altitude of 60,000 feet, the U-2’s route over Scotland and Wales provided a unique sight for aviation enthusiasts tracking its flight path.
Known colloquially as the “Dragon Lady,” the U-2 is capable of reaching altitudes that few aircraft can match, providing the U.S. military and its allies with unparalleled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford has long served as a forward base for U.S. Air Force operations in Europe, frequently hosting reconnaissance and bomber aircraft. The arrival of the U-2 reflects the ongoing importance of the base in supporting joint operations and enhancing NATO’s readiness. The U-2’s mission profile often includes monitoring geopolitical flashpoints, gathering critical intelligence, and providing strategic support to allied forces. Its arrival in the UK is expected to contribute to NATO’s situational awareness amid global security challenges.
The U-2
First introduced in the 1950s during the Cold War, the U-2 remains one of the most iconic reconnaissance aircraft in history. Despite its age, the aircraft has been continuously upgraded with advanced avionics, sensors, and data-sharing capabilities. The U-2’s ability to operate at extreme altitudes allows it to conduct surveillance missions while remaining beyond the reach of most surface-to-air threats. Its suite of sensors can capture high-resolution imagery and electronic intelligence, providing critical data for military and intelligence operations.
Hardly secret if visible on ADS-B! especially as apart from 1st/last hours was flying FL600 which is usually VFR
It has not been any kind of secret since 1960.
Quotation marks dear boy.
Nah, let’s see the RQ180 or some of the other types that have flown at Groom since the late 80s.
The U-2’s have literally been based in RAF Farford since 2019. This is not a new thing.
Not to mention Alconbury.
The Alconbury U2 is so secret that when the runway is not in use, they have 900 houses there.
A bit like Thunderbirds, and Tracey Island. FAB.
Lol, not for years, it has been built on.
RAF Alconbury remains in a smaller enclave.
They have been there longer than that
Seen and heard one taking off when I was at my brother in law’s house on akrotiri… Now they make a hell of a racket
Usually went off early in the morning and drifted back in after dinner (lunch) IIRC.
Why if it’s a top secret aircraft are they announcing it has arrived in Britain
The work they carry out is secret. Not the particular basing options.
Also transit flights in or near controlled airspace have to be planned and visible to civilian air traffic controllers, whereas ISR missions could have dark segments with ADB transponder off, outside friendly airspace.
No flight plan and no comms being the traditional red flags for QRA attention..
The U2 has outlasted Gary Powers.
Also outlasted the apparently sexier SR-71 Blackbird.
I won’t tell anyone if you don’t George. Mum’s the word!
Our Canberra PR9s of 39 PRU Sqn used to carry out a similar role, despite their official “photo survey” description.
Exactly Daniele, you are well informed. English Electric Lightning also intercepted a U2 at 65,000ft which US said could not be done by any fighter. Cheers Flt Lt Caneberra Navigator Rtd. 1972-2001
Hi James.
Thank you. Respect.
Stuck in the nose as well, you poor sod!
You’ll thus be aware of the truth or otherwise of the deployment of a handful of PR9 to Chile in 82, painted in Chilean markings, to provide high level Photint over the Falklands. I’ve seen photos that it is said could not have come from a Harriers Reccpod. I have also read accounts on how this deployment, via Belize, was binned. Yet I remain intrigued.
It is a famous aircraft. Amazing for people in Scotland to know it was above their lands.
And the Irish rock band has the same name as the aircraft.
The USAF has been trying to retire the entire U-2 fleet for several years now but have been thwarted by Congress. As it stands now under current legislation, the USAF plans to retire all remaining 31 U-2s starting in October 2026. But, stay tuned.
Seen one close up and watched it take off at a base i was at impressive take off to watch and how the American dodge vehicles race each other up the runway to retrieve the out riggers gives the boys and girls an excuse to hold an impromptu drag strip race .
English Electric Canberra PR9 was just as good if not better in some areas.
Was Canberra replaced due to end of airframe life or because the ISR capability is better delivered from satellite?
Presumably satellites compensate their predictable over flight with improved sensors across the spectrum that are not available on legacy aircraft…