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.
Image Airwolfhound, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
We need more of these. Plus more Typhoon escorts when they go in harms way
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A Russian fighter Launched flares at a rivet joint in 2022… Umm what about tried to shoot one down by launching two air to air missiles at one….
I wonder what escort it had, I believe they did begin escorting the rivet joints when they were operating around the Black Sea area.
The missile incident was stated and believed to be a cluster fuck mistake by the 30 hours per year pilot of the Russkie flying kitchen appliance, and the RAF started to escort recce fights in the future!
Fights oops should read flights!