A British RC-135 ‘Rivet Joint’, an electronic surveillance aircraft, has again conducted a patrol over Romania close to the border of Ukraine.
The aircraft was there to conduct electronic surveillance and gather intelligence on Russian forces inside Ukraine.
A 🇬🇧 British RC-135 'Rivet Joint', a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft, was once again deployed to gather intelligence on the size and location of Russian forces in occupied #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/ZFghkho48P
— George Allison (@geoallison) May 18, 2023
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.
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.
Some general uses of the RC-135W include:
- Signal Intelligence (SIGINT): The aircraft collects electronic signals, such as communications, radar, and other systems, to gather intelligence on adversaries’ capabilities and intentions. This information is crucial for understanding the operational environment and making well-informed decisions.
- Support to Operations: The RC-135W has been used in various operations, such as Operation Shader, which is the UK’s contribution to the ongoing military intervention against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The aircraft supports these operations by collecting intelligence on enemy forces, infrastructure, and strategies.
- Strategic Deterrence: By conducting visible reconnaissance flights near areas of interest, the UK sends a clear message to potential adversaries that their activities are being closely monitored. This serves as a deterrent, helping to maintain regional stability and prevent conflicts.
- Support to Diplomacy: Intelligence gathered by the RC-135W can play a crucial role in informing diplomatic efforts and shaping foreign policy. By providing accurate and timely information, the aircraft helps decision-makers navigate complex geopolitical situations.
The UK operates three RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft, which are versatile and essential assets for maintaining situational awareness and supporting various military and diplomatic initiatives.
Presumably it is a significantly safer proposition to overfly NATO landmass rather than international water, even w/ armed escort. 🤔🤞
I would have thought so given the recent incident of a Russian jet dumping fuel on a US drone. I think that was over the Black Sea but stand corrected if not.
It certainly means fighters flying shotgun from now on, we should be pushing Ivan hard here, flying missions close to Russian airspace over the Black Sea and getting the best possible Sigint to give to the Ukrainians.
The Russians only respect strength and absolutely nothing else, NATO needs to be dishing out large helpings of Fu#k You to the Russians and make them stand down in Ukraine….
Totally understandable sentiment, but that is also how an unintended conflagration could begin. Memories of August 1914 abound. Believe it was JFK, during the middle of the Cuban Crisis, after being informed about some freelance activity, was overheard to mutter (in paraphrase) ‘some SOB always fails to read (or perhaps get) the memo.’ 🤔😳
Agree and probably why the Iranians and Russians have only downed unmanned US EW/INTEL craft.
It’s probably coming our way anyway, let’s get it done with, sooner the better.
😳😱
As I said on a separate post, the Rivet appeared to be accompanied by a Typhoon (c/s DREAD21), which then seemed to have switched off its ADS-B transponder, as it suddenly disappeared.
It’s standard practice, just watch the Op Shader flights Voyager and 2 phoons leave Akrotiri fly SE down across Israel up in to Jordan then go dark, re appear in same place few hours later heading back. The 2nd Voyager base at AKT regularly flys up and orbits over Romainia it’s not doing it for giggles but you done usually see the phoons.
Since the incident of the SU27 “accidentally” letting a missile off the rail at the rivet joint aircraft they get a typhoon escort when in certain areas.
The main way to deter Russian stupidity does seem to show strength unfortunately.
The aircraft always fly in international airspace and this is allowed to be done.
Talking of monitoring, these Russians soldiers noticed a Ukrainian tank coming their way, so decided to show them some true Russian mettle.
Are these RJ planes wired up for BVRAAMs? And the P8’s, Atlas’, Voyager’s. Can they actually defend themselves?
They don’t need to, they have escorting Typhoons.
They have defensive aids systems.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/19/russia-ukraine-war-news-zelensky/