A long-range flight by the U.S. Air Force RC-135U “Combat Sent” reconnaissance aircraft around Russian territory near Kaliningrad indicates that tensions between Moscow and the West have reached a new level. The flight came immediately after German Chancellor Merz accused Russia of “hybrid warfare.”
Tensions in European skies have risen once again. The U.S. Air Force’s strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the RC-135U “Combat Sent,” carried out a long-duration intelligence mission on Tuesday around Russia’s Kaliningrad region. The flight coincided with a period of heightened strain in relations between the West and Moscow.
According to flight tracking data, the RC-135U took off early in the morning from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom and reached the area surrounding Kaliningrad via the Baltic countries. During the approximately seven-hour operation, the jet circled near Russian airspace and returned to the UK after completing its mission.
Following Germany’s “Hybrid Warfare” Accusation
The timing of the flight drew attention. The operation took place one day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russia of “hybrid warfare,” blaming Moscow for the drone attacks that paralyzed Munich Airport. Merz directly held Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for the incidents.
What is the RC-135U “Combat Sent”?
According to the U.S. Air Force, the RC-135U Combat Sent is a reconnaissance platform that collects technical intelligence (TECHINT) by detecting signals emitted from enemy radar and communication systems. The aircraft provides commanders with strategic electronic warfare data by analyzing the structure of foreign radar systems.
Equipped with advanced sensors, the aircraft records and analyzes electronic emissions to help map potential threats. The RC-135U is also distinguishable by its exterior, featuring wide side panels, an extended tail structure, and an array of antennas. Its crew typically includes two pilots, a navigator, and more than ten electronic warfare officers.
Consecutive Flights and NATO Concerns
The RC-135U’s flight around Kaliningrad was not a one-off mission. The same aircraft followed a similar route on October 2. This indicates that NATO is closely monitoring Russian military activities.
In recent weeks, air traffic was temporarily halted in countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Poland due to unidentified drone flights. Many NATO member states suggested that Russia could be behind these incidents.
The Kremlin has categorically denied the accusations. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “Europe now has a reflex to blame Russia for every event. This drone story is based on unfounded claims.”
