51 Squadron recently deployed the UK Rivet Joint aircraft to Ørland Air Base in Norway as part of an Agile Combat Employment exercise.
This deployment aimed to allowed RAF aircraft and personnel to operate effectively from a variety of locations alongside NATO partners.
The UK Rivet Joint is a specialised airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. Its primary role is to collect, analyse, and share electronic signals intelligence and communications intelligence. It provides critical situational awareness and supports decision-making in complex operational environments, significantly enhancing the warfighting potential of allied air power.
Operating from Norway with minimal support demonstrated that the squadron could operate from a dispersed location. This ensures that the force can maintain resilience and integrate seamlessly with allied forces in diverse environments.
“The Norwegian Air Force shares a long history of co-operation with the RAF, and our F-35 squadrons have close ties. 51 Squadron operates an impressive capability that has the potential to significantly enhance the warfighting potential of Allied air power in the most demanding missions. Deployments like these improve interoperability between our assets, increase flexibility, and reduce reaction time. When our people meet, we can resolve practical matters more quickly, update our plans with higher precision, and build closer relations. All of which enable us to fight more effectively as one team should the need arise.”
Colonel Ole Torrisplass
Commander of 132 Flight Wing
Working with NATO Airborne Early Warning assets and Norwegian F-35 units, this enhanced mutual understanding of aircraft capabilities and ensured maximised operational output.
