RAF surveillance aircraft patrol border with Russia in joint mission with US and Nato forces

Two of the Royal Air Force's most advanced surveillance aircraft have flown a 12-hour mission as they patrolled the Russian border along Nato's eastern flank.

A RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew almost 10,000 miles from the High North down the Russian border towards Belarus and Ukraine.

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, providing air-to-air refuelling capacity, supported the mission, increasing the operational reach of the two RAF aircraft.

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BFBS Forces News previously boarded a RAF Voyager as it headed east towards Poland to help RAF Typhoons refuelling during Operation Eastern Sentry at the start of the month.

"This was a substantial joint mission with our US and Nato allies," Defence Secretary John Healey said.

"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."

Mr Healey also thanked the personnel involved in the operation.

This latest operation comes after repeated incursions into Nato airspace by Russian drones and aircraft in the last month, including incidents in Poland, Romania and Estonia.

The RC-135 Rivet Joint, a key intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 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 in anti-submarine warfare and can carry torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, flew a route focused around the Baltic Sea.

"Missions like this demonstrate Nato's unity and readiness to defend its members against any aggression," Group Captain Matthew D'Aubyn, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Commander, said.

"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."

This joint mission highlighted Nato's commitment to collective defence and its ability to operate cohesively in response to emerging threats.