An RC-135 Rivet Joint ‘signals intelligence’ surveillance aircraft has been patrolling close to the Russian border near Kaliningrad.

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, radar and other systems.

This comes not long after British RC-135 and Sentinel surveillance aircraft were operating over Black Sea, this heavy usage demonstrates the apparent utility these aircraft have to the Ministry of Defence.

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.

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

13 COMMENTS

  1. I wonder if the Russians or Chinese when they see a Rivet Joint approaching their territory they shut down most of their newer radars, comms, ect and just leave the older, legacy stuff running? The only downside to doing this would be in the event of an attack a Rivet Joint could be sent in first followed by B-2s, F-22s, F-35s, ect knowing that the advanced radars will be turned off.

  2. All these flights are about, for both side’s, is an opportunity to provide purposeful training and experience for the crew’s.
    If you are going to go to the trouble of procuring these aircraft and training these aircrew, then of course you would want them practicing, sensibly, in as realistic scenario, as you can provide.

    • It comes to something when the RAF can’t undertake simple sightseeing pleasure flights in the Baltic in its vintage RC135’s. Nothing sinister going on, Nothing to see here, move along please…..😀

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