British RC-135 electronic surveillance aircraft continue to operate over the Black Sea near Ukraine, keeping an eye on Russian forces.
The UK has been increasing the frequency of such flights in order to gather intelligence with US aircraft also present.
A British RC-135 'Rivet Joint' electronic surveillance aircraft is once again operating over the Black Sea near Ukraine, keeping an eye on Russian forces. The UK has been increasing the frequency of such flights in order to gather intelligence with US aircraft also present. pic.twitter.com/GUiebtvmP5
— George Allison (@geoallison) July 20, 2022
As we need to post this each time, here’s the usual disclaimer. This isn’t a new occurrence, in fact it is quite routine. The UK has long been gathering intelligence about Russian forces since long before the invasion of Ukraine and it should be noted that these flights are designed to be visible so that the public and Russia know they’re happening. If it was a secret, I would not know. Also, for those remarking ‘this isn’t new’, that’s right but people only know this happens often because it is reported often.
British surveillance aircraft being over the area isn’t unusual but we are seeing a significant increase in the frequency of the flights over the last few months for obvious reasons, it’s rare for two British aircraft to be up at the one time as the UK only has three of this aircraft type.
What does the RC-135W do?
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.
A normal day in the office then for these guys.
Upcoming F-35A purchase?
Have I missed something? Can’t see it happening personally.
Agree the Voyagers should be given booms though – would at least mean we could refuel these without USAF support and be an additional asset for re-fueling allies.
F35a is not happening. Never has been and never will be.
Would you prefer Tempest or F35A? Because after the next batch of F35B for the carriers that is the choice.
There is no money in the Combat Air part of DES equipment plan for both.
DM wrote:
At the very low rate of Military equipment procurement, Id be happy with a Sopwith Camel, as for the anti-ship capability, the Fairey Swordfish. The problem there is the MOD would want to gold plate their purchases
There is a strong reluctance to have fleets within fleets. It’s not going to happen.
Many on this blog, and further afield, have bemoaned the scrapping of the Harrier fleet. In its day it was one of the most effective and versatile aircraft in the world, because of its VTO capability and the ability to operate from e.g. woodland areas and roads. So good, the USMC and the Spanish air force still use it (or a variant).
OK the old Harrier is outdated now, but the capability and versatility remains, in the F35B. Flexibility is the watchword!
Constructive comments please!
Replace? They supplemented Sea Harrier then it was cut due to its engine ability in hot and high conditions. I think….
Pity, as the FA2 Radar and AMRAAM ASRAAM combination was superb.
Logic? It was Labour cutting the military. Funnily enough they were rather good at that in that time frame.
Despite the fact that an F35A purchase won’t happen, I think most people would prefer 30-40 more F35B or tranche 4 typhoons rather than a limited buy of F35A, when we will end up having to wait until block 4 comes out.
Yes, next batch of Bs, some T4 Typhoons, then onto Tempest.
Of course, I completely forgot to mention Tempest. Although our government likes to use the excuse that buying more aircraft today will mean less capable Tempest, this time I’m willing to believe it partly. It’s good news that we will be able to retain sovereign aircraft building capability. I haven’t heard about Aeralis in a while. As seen with Babcock it’s always good to get a contender in the game, so come time for Tempests replacement, we won’t be forced into one company that doesn’t fully invest in themselves. I think we’re going to regret staggering the astute order, now… Read more »
I’m unable to edit my comment so I’ll just say it here, apparently the Omani army is looking to buy 76 K2’s for 834 million USD, we could probably replace all their tanks for cheaper, so we should definitely at least try and compete.
Edit: in the fill out form I misspelt my email for the other account so it also explains why I wasn’t getting emails from replies.
There is an edit function Louis. Do you know how? Little flower looking symbol on lower right hand side.
Yes it was my mistake, I see it now.
We bought two very expensive carriers, so we must buy more Bs, but we shouldn’t be buying As at all
In other news. Czech Republic to enter negotiations with US to purchase 24 F35A’s to replace Gripens on lease.
This is a decision I find a bit odd. Totally agree they should be aiming for 5th Gen and impressed they are. I just don’t get the financial outlay when they were struggling to buy Grippen c/d so as you say leased which seemed sensible, the bit I now find odd is that I’ve seen a few articles earlier in the year, that suggested Saab would let CzAF keep them after the lease expired as they’d consider those airframes “paid for” and would offer a considerable discount on new Grippen E/F. Just seams odd
Didn’t the Swedes say they would give them the C/Ds they already have for no additional charges? The Grippen is a great little plane. With a top tier jamming pod it is very effective. Also with the Russian AF proving they are no where near as good as Western AFs do they really need a 5th gen fighter?
I’m not sure how the finance’s work. But the Gripen E probably isn’t that much cheaper than a F35A. And they have seen the capability it brings from experience with other F35 operators and allies. Plus they will have access to a global supply chain, and an aircraft that is going to be purchased in larger numbers and is at the start of it’s development cycle.