RAF joins US and NATO on 12-hour patrol along Europe's eastern flank

Two Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft joined United States and NATO assets on a 12-hour patrol along Europe’s eastern flank earlier this week, flying from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine toward Russia’s border in response to a series of recent incursions by Russian drones and military aircraft into NATO airspace. British and alliance officials said the mission aimed to gather intelligence, boost situational awareness and demonstrate NATO cohesion amid rising regional tensions.

The operation involved an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane, supported by a US Air Force KC-135 refuelling tanker, officials said. The Rivet Joint is equipped to intercept communications and electronic signals, while the Poseidon is configured for maritime patrol and antisubmarine tasks. NATO said the aircraft coordinated with allied partners across Europe throughout the sortie.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the mission as substantial and said it provided valuable intelligence and sent a clear message of NATO unity. Group Captain Matthew D'Aubyn, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance commander, said missions of...