- Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft fly 12-hour mission along Russian border to monitor NATO’s eastern border
- Joint mission saw US Air Force air refuelling tanker provide support in demonstration of trans-Atlantic NATO unity
- Mission will boost national security, delivering on government’s Plan for Change
Two of the Royal Air Force’s most advanced surveillance aircraft flew a 12-hour mission yesterday (Thursday 9 Oct 25) as they patrolled the border of Russia along NATO’s eastern flank.
Demonstrating the UK’s operational readiness and the collective resolve of NATO, a RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence surveillance aircraft and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft collectively flew nearly 10,000 miles from the High North along the border with Russia, down past Belarus and Ukraine.
The mission was supported by a United States Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, which extended the operational reach of the two RAF aircraft, in a display of trans-Atlantic unity between NATO allies.
The operation comes following repeated incursions into NATO airspace by Russian drones and aircraft in the last month, including incidents in Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Both aircraft are designed to gather intelligence using a range of methods to boost operational awareness and provide valuable data for analysis.
“This was a substantial joint mission with our US and NATO allies. Not only does this provide valuable intelligence to boost the operational awareness of our Armed Forces, but sends a powerful message of NATO unity to Putin and our adversaries.
“I want to thank the outstanding British personnel who carried out and supported this successful mission, alongside our allies. Their tireless work makes Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad.”
John Healey MP, Defence Secretary
The RC-135 Rivet Joint, a key intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, is designed to listen to a vast range of different signals from across the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing it to eavesdrop on military communications. The P-8A Poseidon, which is specialised for anti-submarine warfare and can carry torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, flew a route focused around the Baltic Sea.
Together, these aircraft coordinated closely with NATO Allies across Europe, providing comprehensive situational awareness, monitoring activity across the Alliance’s eastern flank and deterring any potential threats to airspace.
The KC-135 from the USAF’s 100th Air Refuelling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, played a critical role in enabling the mission’s success by providing essential air-to-air refuelling, extending the operational reach of the RAF aircraft.
“Missions like this demonstrate NATO’s unity and readiness to defend its members against any aggression. Our ability to operate seamlessly with USAF assets underscores the strength of the NATO alliance.
“The RAF remains committed to working alongside our Allies to ensure the safety and sovereignty of NATO airspace.”
Group Captain Matthew D’Aubyn, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Commander.
This joint mission highlights NATO’s commitment to collective defence and its ability to operate cohesively in response to emerging threats. By integrating advanced surveillance and maritime patrol capabilities with air-to-air refuelling support, the RAF and its NATO allies continue to safeguard the Alliance’s airspace and uphold international law.
The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both highlighted the importance of national security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change, with the mission further underlining the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO.
