The UK's first Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft is pictured landing at RAF Waddington in November 2013. The first three Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to the UK ahead of its entry into service with the RAF next year. The aircraft will form part of project AIRSEEKER, which will provide the UK with a world class capability able to provide real time on scene intelligence, surveillance and analysis to forces in the air and on the ground. The Boeing RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT system has a proven track record, having been used by the United Stated Air Force for many years. Since 2011, the RAF's 51 Squadron have been training and operating alongside their USAF colleagues in preparation for the UK aircraft entering service in late 2014. UK crews have already achieved in excess of 32,000 flying hours and 1800 sorties as part of the US 55th Reconnaissance Wing.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that the second RAF Airseeker intelligence aircraft will be delivered ahead of schedule.

Following the Prime Minister’s recent direction to invest in and build up the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability, the Defence Secretary has confirmed that the second Airseeker (Rivet Joint) signals intelligence plane is expected to be delivered to the RAF in September, seven months early.

The first Airseeker is currently employed on operations, alongside a variety of other RAF units, in the fight against ISIL in the skies over Iraq and Syria.

The Airseeker aircraft has state of the art airborne electronic surveillance capability, allowing it to collect, analyse and disseminate detailed signals intelligence information. In doing so it offers vital support to combat identification and targeting operations. The new aircraft is expected to be deployable in a matter of weeks after delivery.

Mr Fallon said: “We’re the only coalition nation conducting manned ISR over Syria. I can announce that our latest Airseeker plane will be delivered seven months ahead of schedule and will be operational shortly after that in the skies above Iraq and Syria – providing essential intelligence in the fight against ISIL. No one, except the US, matches our efforts.”