The Squadron
No. 51 Squadron is located at RAF Waddington, the centre of the RAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability.
Evolving through the 1960s into a specialist unit for gathering electronic intelligence, the Squadron has operated several iconic aircraft over its history, including the Whitley, Lincoln, Canberra, Comet and the Nimrod R1. Today, it plays a vital role in supporting Coalition operations on Operation Shader.
The RAF’s RC-135W Rivet Joint fleet, flown by No. 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington, provides real-time electronic intelligence through sophisticated onboard sensors and dedicated ground support teams.
The aircraft remains fully interoperable with U.S. systems and is designed to stay flexible and capable in meeting future defence requirements.
