The United Kingdom has announced the deployment of aircraft to bolster NATO’s efforts to protect maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea as part of a coordinated response to increasing Russian threats. The Royal Air Force (RAF) will send P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance planes to participate in the NATO-led Baltic Sentry mission.
This move comes after the recent damage to the Estlink2 underwater cable between Estonia and Finland, which raised concerns about the security of vital maritime infrastructure.
In response, the United Kingdom has ramped up Operation Nordic Warden, aimed at monitoring the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet and protecting critical infrastructure. The Prime Minister has also held discussions with the leaders of Estonia and Finland to coordinate efforts against these emerging threats.
RC-135W Rivet Joint, a specialized electronic surveillance aircraft, plays a central role in the UK’s efforts. According to the Royal Air Force, this aircraft is equipped to collect electronic emissions from communication devices, radar, and other systems, providing military commanders with critical intelligence. Onboard specialists, including officers and weapon systems operators, monitor the electromagnetic spectrum to assess potential threats.
Widely used in operations such as Operation Shader, the Rivet Joint has proven vital for intelligence-gathering missions. Originally named Airseeker, it is commonly referred to as the RC-135W Rivet Joint within military circles. The UK currently operates three of these high-performance aircraft.
The UK government has emphasized its commitment to NATO’s response efforts, stating: “The United Kingdom plays a leading role in countering the growing Russian threat to maritime infrastructure in European seas.”
The deployment of P-8 Poseidon and RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft demonstrates this commitment, providing support to NATO partners in monitoring and deterring Russian activity.
Source: Ukdefencejournal
