Two of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) most advanced aircraft —an RC-135 Rivet Joint and a P-8A Poseidon— carried out a 12-hour surveillance mission along the Russian border on October 9, as part of a joint operation with the United States Air Force (USAF) and other NATO allies.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the flight involved a RC-135W Rivet Joint electronic reconnaissance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, which covered nearly 10,000 miles from the Arctic to the vicinity of Belarus and Ukraine. The operation was supported by a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, which provided aerial refuelling to extend the operational range of the British aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the mission aimed to collect electronic intelligence on movements and communications along NATO’s eastern flank, amid repeated incursions of Russian drones and aircraft into the airspace of Poland, Romania, and Estonia in recent weeks.
Defence Secretary John Healey said, “This was a substantial mission alongside our U.S. and NATO allies. It not only provides valuable intelligence to enhance our forces’ operational awareness but also sends a clear message of NATO unity to President Putin and our adversaries.”
The flight formed part of NATO’s ongoing air surveillance and deterrence activities over its eastern flank, in response to the increased Russian military activity in the Baltic and North Sea regions since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The RC-135W Rivet Joint —a key intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform— is designed to intercept signals across the electromagnetic spectrum and military communications. Meanwhile, the P-8A Poseidon specializes in anti-submarine warfare and can carry torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Both aircraft operated in coordination with European allies to provide a comprehensive aerial and maritime picture of the region.
Captain Matthew D’Aubyn added, “Missions like this demonstrate NATO’s unity and readiness to defend its members against any aggression. Our ability to operate seamlessly with USAF assets reflects the strength of the Alliance.”
This is not the first long-range mission conducted by the RAF as part of allied surveillance operations. In October 2024, an RC-135W Rivet Joint completed a flight spanning from the Mediterranean to the Barents Sea, described at the time as a “historic milestone” by the UK’s Air and Space Commander.
With this latest operation, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to collective defense and the security of NATO’s airspace, in line with the national security policy advanced by the British government.
Images courtesy of the Royal Air Force.
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