Washington deploys strategic reconnaissance jets to Crete

The United States has increased its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean by stationing three RC-135W strategic reconnaissance aircraft at the Hania airbase on the Greek island of Crete.

According to Caliber.Az, citing foreign media sources, the deployment is confirmed by data from Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange. The move comes against the backdrop of growing tensions with Iran.

One RC-135W aircraft completed a transatlantic flight from the United States and arrived in Crete on February 23. The other two aircraft were redeployed from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where they had been stationed since late January. Observers link the relocation to the base’s strategic proximity to Iran.

The RC-135V and RC-135W aircraft conduct reconnaissance missions to identify the operational parameters of enemy air defence radar systems. This intelligence is crucial for subsequent neutralisation of radar installations, including through the use of anti-radiation missiles.

By Tamilla Hasanova