RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance patrols over the Black Sea
RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft regularly fly surveillance sorties over the Black Sea in international airspace, as part of NATO eastern-flank monitoring. A flight on 28 January 2026 operated alongside a US Navy P-8A. In May 2026 the MOD said a Rivet Joint on routine surveillance in April had been dangerously intercepted by Russian fighters. It also said the UK formally complained to the Russian embassy.
- Where
- Black Sea
- When
- ongoing
- Units
- RC-135W Rivet Joint
- With
- United States, NATO
- Last checked
- 4 Nov 2026
Sources
- Russia 'dangerously' intercepts British spy plane over Black Sea: Ministry Al Jazeera, 20 May 2026
- U.S. Navy and RAF operate spy aircraft near Crimea Defence Blog, 31 Jan 2026
