First country to patrol NATO's entire eastern flank

The UK has become the first country to complete air patrols along NATO's entire eastern border, from its southernmost point in Greece to its northernmost point in Finland, Forces News reported on October 12.

According to the military news site, the flight was completed by an RC-135W Rivet Joint electronic surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, with the support of NATO and international partners.

The UK's achievement is a landmark moment for air power and shows the commitment of the British armed forces to the transatlantic military alliance.

The UK patrols airspace along NATO's entire eastern border, from its southernmost point in Greece to its northernmost point in Finland, using RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft. Photo: UKDJ

Royal Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint electronic surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Photo: UKDJ

"The UK has become the first nation to conduct a full flight across NATO's eastern border, from its southernmost point in Greece to its northernmost point in Finland," the Royal Air Force said in a statement.

"While the RAF Rivet Joint aircraft conduct routine flights along the borders of individual NATO countries, this was the first complete flight across the entire eastern border of the military alliance, bordering Russia. The flight was completed with the support of NATO partners including the United States, Sweden and Finland. This is an important moment."

"The UK's commitment to NATO is unwavering," the Royal Air Force said in a statement.

Regarding the RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, this aircraft can be used at the theater and national levels with the ability to collect, analyze and disseminate intelligence information across any battlefield in near real time.

The Rivet Joint is a significantly improved C-135. The improvements are primarily related to the onboard sensors, which allow it to detect electronic emissions from communications, radar, and other systems from enemy forces.

Once signals across the entire electromagnetic spectrum are detected, identified and geolocated, the crew can relay the collected information in a variety of formats to multiple users via the Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite.

The aircraft can accommodate more than 30 people, including cockpit crew, electronic warfare officers, intelligence personnel and in-flight maintenance technicians.

Powered by four 21,600lb st (96kN) CFM International F108-CF-201 turbofan engines, the Rivet Joint can fly at 870 km/h and has a service ceiling of 6,500 km.

Minh Duc (According to Forces News, Air Force)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/quoc-gia-dau-tien-tuan-tra-toan-bo-suon-phia-dong-nato-204241015200350912.htm