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2h ago

RAF and US Aircraft Fly 12-Hour NATO Patrol Along Russian Border

London says the mission answered recent airspace incidents, signaling allied resolve.

A Royal Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint. (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Image
a large intelligence surveillance aircraft flies over green land

Overview

  • Two RAF planes, an RC-135 Rivet Joint and a P-8A Poseidon, flew from the Arctic past Belarus and Ukraine on Oct. 9.
  • A US Air Force KC-135 refueling tanker supported the flight, extending the patrol’s operational reach.
  • UK Defence Minister John Healey said the operation gathered valuable intelligence and demonstrated NATO unity.
  • British officials linked the mission to reported drone and aircraft incursions affecting Poland, Romania, and Estonia, which Russia has denied.
  • NATO held consultations at Poland’s request after early-September drone incidents, and several European airports have temporarily halted flights following unidentified drone sightings.