Royal Air Force aircraft over the Black Sea, including Typhoon jets, a Voyager tanker and an RC-135 surveillance aircraft, continue to keep an eye on Russian forces.
The RC-135 surveillance aircraft was deployed to monitor Russian forces in occupied Ukraine. The Typhoon jets, to escort it.
#RAF strong presence over Romania and #BlackSea operating from #Chania Int. Airport in #Crete and Akrotiri AB in #Cyprus pic.twitter.com/RO6XJPZZwW
— AegeanHawk (@AegeanHawk) September 18, 2024
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.
“Officially, any intelligence gathered is only sent to NATO nations, but everyone knows that some of these nations quickly share the information with Ukraine, enabling them to counter incoming attacks. Western intelligence data offers Ukraine the ability to respond a wee bit quicker,” a former RAF officer advised us, wishing to remain anonymous.
Speaking to an Open Source Intelligence analyst, I was told:
“These RAF missions highlight the UK’s vital, yet often overlooked, role in supporting Ukraine through intelligence gathering. The deployment of the RC-135W Rivet Joint demonstrates how seriously the UK takes this role, quietly providing critical information that allows Ukraine to respond to Russian threats. It’s a reminder that while the public may only see the headlines, there’s constant, behind-the-scenes action that helps shape Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The visible presence of these aircraft sends a clear message to Russia and reinforces the UK’s commitment.
The deployment of Typhoon jets to escort the RC-135 Rivet Joint really shows how seriously the UK is taking these missions. After the missile incident in 2022 in which an RC-135 could have been shot down, it’s clear the RAF isn’t taking any chances. These escorts aren’t just for protection—they send a strong message to Russia that the UK will continue gathering intelligence, despite the risks. The RAF’s presence is as much about reassuring allies and supporting Ukraine as it is about showing Moscow that they won’t be deterred by threats.”
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.
That “former officer” want’s to button it.
Why ?
He didn’t say anything was isn’t blindingly obvious and has been discussed on here a number of times…?
It would be more of a surprise if RAF were not helping UKR in this regards.
As a taxpayer I’m glad they are using passive means to help UKR.
I wonder if had those missiles operated properly (or whatever the reason was) whether we would have been at war thereafter.
It could well be that soft kill DAS suite worked too?
Although it must have choked Mad Vlad that 2x missiles couldn’t shoot down a 707 and they could be made to fail at will.
So essentially RuAF has zero offensive capability against RAF and USAF. Which must be quite sobering?
Alternatively Russian missile have big QA problems!