The Ministry of Defence has reiterated that Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft are still conducting operations from RAF Akrotiri towards Gaza, as part of ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that the flights have been taking place since 19 January 2025, as part of the UK’s broader intelligence-gathering efforts in the region.
Pollard stated that “the Ministry of Defence has been conducting surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including operating in airspace over Israel and Gaza.”
He further emphasised that the UK’s mandate remains strictly limited to hostage recovery efforts, adding that “for the avoidance of doubt, our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only; surveillance aircraft are unarmed and do not have a combat role.”
These flights, which have been publicly known for some time, form part of the UK’s continued commitment to intelligence-sharing with regional partners.
While their existence is not new, the latest confirmation reinforces that they remain active and ongoing.
The Shadow R1
The Shadow R1 plays a key role in the RAF’s ISTAR Force, using advanced sensors to gather intelligence crucial for ground commanders. Its high-definition electro-optical and electronic sensors complement other platforms, enhancing intelligence analysis. The aircraft features satellite communications for real-time data transmission and is equipped with a defensive aids suite for operational security.
Developed from the Beechcraft King Air 350, the Shadow R1 was initially procured to improve intelligence gathering in Afghanistan. The RAF received four aircraft in 2009 under an Urgent Operational Requirement, later expanding to six under the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. Operated by 14 Squadron, the fleet is now undergoing upgrades and will grow to eight aircraft under the Shadow Mk2 Upgrade Programme.
Image Jerry Gunner from Lincoln, via Wikimedia Commons.
A growth in capability and numbers. You don’t read about that every day.
Because many other similar mission aircraft were withdrawn from service. Totals will be less than the original amount.
Yes. Similar, maybe not the same, as the true capabilities of all are classified.
3 Islanders of the RAF Northolt Station flight and I recall around 15 Army Air Corps Defenders of 651 AAC.
The Islanders have reportedly been replaced by Cessna’s from the Met Police. They were used, reportedly, to track mobile phone signals in conjunction with Security Service operations.
The Defenders were the army’s “manned airborne surveillance” and were reputed to operate in support of DSF in the Middle East.
I believe Shadow effectively replaces both, though I also recall the expansion to 8 was planned before the 2022 RAF cuts when Hercules, Typhoon T1, Sentinel, Sentry, Hawk, and Hercules were all cut for supposedly being “sunset capabilities.”
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Probably as a direct result of losing the 5 Sentinel aircraft that were no longer deemed important in the 2010 SDR.
Funny how this sort of thing repeats itself, Nimrod springs to mind.
Different missions I think, mate.
Sentinel was a successor to the CASTOR Canberra, Corps Airborne Standoff Radar, from Cold War days, so very much GTMI/SAR.
I don’t think Shadow has that capability, but other electro optical and “sniffing” sensors.
I think the expansion is due to it being so critical they thought we’ll get a few more, and meanwhile the Defenders and Islanders got chopped.
OK fair comment, I’ll be happy to be corrected, I just knew that Sentinel was used in other theatres to mop up Intel before it was axed.
It was mate. Awful cut for me, along with the Hercs.
In some respects, Reaper also has a role there, obviously with its persistent ground surveillance but also a little known SIGINT role. ( See Airhandler, which I referenced on the USAF in UK article. )
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Intelligence gathering is critical, I would focus on independence in this area rather than fears that F35 would stop getting spare parts or software upgrades